Researchers in the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences have discovered that specific genes may be to blame for a number of weight- and metabolism-related illnesses.

Dr. Laura Reed, assistant professor of biological sciences at UA, has been testing this hypothesis for more than four years and has reached a groundbreaking conclusion.

“The most important finding is that the greatest factor in whether or not a person becomes obese is their genes, and how their genes interact with their diets,” Reed said.

Reed and her team of more than 10 assistants have been able to isolate gene variations similar to humans in the Drosophila fly, and test how certain diets react with certain variations.

“Our research may identify how dietary interactions with genetic variation are propagated through physiological levels to produce metabolic symptoms,” said Xiangpei Zeng, a research assistant. “Specifically, we will map genetic basis of Genotype-by-Environment Interaction.”

Their analysis explores the causes of metabolic syndrome, the collective term for illnesses associated with obesity, such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

Joana Hubickey, one of Reed’s assistants, is personally motivated in her research.

“My current focus is diabetes,” Hubickey said. “With this disease being so prevalent especially here in the South, I am motivated to find the underlying causes of this disease.  By looking on the genetic level, I hope to shed some light on how this widespread disease is obtained.”

In addition to finding immediate evidence for diet-gene interactions, the team’s research sets the stage for more in-depth studies to take place in the future.

Katie Bray, another of Reed’s assistants, said she is excited to be involved in such an innovative study.

“I think our research will impact the science community by providing a foundation for further research,” Bray said. “It is my hope that our current project is just the beginning of bigger experiments, eventually leading to answers about the importance that genes play in Met-S. This research is unlike anything that has been done, so it is exciting to be a part of the beginnings.”

Reed thinks that her work will impact not only the future of dealing with metabolic syndrome and weight-management, but of genetic awareness in general.

“Improved awareness of one’s genetic predisposition towards obesity can inform treatment and prevention plans,” Reed said. “Genetically-informed nutritional counseling for the average person is probably going to be possible within the next 10 years.”