Fat Mass and Obesity-associated Protein (FTO) (脂肪含量和肥胖相关蛋白)

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is a member of the Fe (II)- and oxoglutarate-dependent AlkB dioxygenase family and is linked to both obesity and intellectual disability. Previous studies revealed FTO plays pivotal roles in adipogenesis and energy homeostasis. FTO-deficient mice display postnatal growth retardation and reduced food intake, with a significant reduction of adipose tissue, whereas the overexpression of FTO caused obesity in mice. In addition, the role of FTO as an RNA demethylase of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) may be related to its important roles in neurogenesis, learning and memory. FTO protein is also found to be highly abundant in brain and is associated with reduced brain volume in adolescents and older people. FTO gene deficiency enhances the retention of fear memory and also impairs dopamine receptor 2- and 3-dependent control of neuronal activity and locomotor behavioral responses.