PLIN4 gene variants linked to anorexia nervosa risk

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a potential genetic link to anorexia nervosa involving the PLIN4 gene. Published in ‘Frontiers in Psychiatry’, the study suggests that the disorder may have metabolic components rather than being purely psychiatric.

The PLIN4 gene, which regulates how cells store lipids in muscle and fat tissue, was found to have rare and potentially damaging variants in approximately 11% of the 154 patients studied. This is significantly higher than the 3% prevalence found in a large genetic reference database.

Lead researchers noted that the finding is particularly novel because PLIN4 is primarily active in body fat and muscle rather than the brain. While the study shows an association rather than direct causation, it opens new avenues for investigating how fat metabolism and energy use contribute to the development of the eating disorder. This could eventually lead to new metabolic-based treatments for a condition that currently lacks FDA-approved medications.