What's Your Problem? Understanding Obesity and Alzheimer’s via Epigenomics
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Dec 28, 2023 
Manolis Kellis, a professor of Computer Science at MIT, discusses the cellular mechanisms of disease and interventions for maintaining health. The podcast explores genomics and epigenomics, delving into genetic associations with obesity. It also touches on challenges and triumphs of small business owners, the importance of personalized medicine, and the significance of small businesses in the economy.
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Non-Coding DNA's Importance
- 98% of the human genome does not code for proteins, contrary to common assumptions.
- This non-coding DNA contains control regions crucial for turning genes on and off, affecting disease.
Gene Regulation and Disease
- Most disease-associated genetic variants reside in gene regulatory regions, not protein-coding genes.
- These regions control protein production timing and quantity, impacting disease development.
FTO Gene and Obesity
- The FTO gene, linked to obesity, doesn't directly influence obesity but controls brown and white fat development.
- Manolis Kellis, possessing the obesity risk variant, stores calories while his wife, without it, burns them.