New study reveals genetic control of fatty acids in adipose tissue

Researchers using data from the TwinsUK cohort have uncovered how genetics influences fatty acid levels within adipose (fat) tissue – offering new insights into metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal health. 

Fatty acids are essential molecules in the body, acting as key building blocks of lipids, sources of energy, and important signalling molecules. While previous studies have explored how fatty acids are genetically regulated in blood and other bodily fluids, much less has been known about how they are regulated within adipose tissue itself. This is important because adipose tissue is not only the body’s main store of fat but also plays a critical role in metabolic and cardiovascular health. 

In this study, researchers analysed 18 different fatty acids in subcutaneous adipose tissue samples from 569 female twins in the TwinsUK cohort. Using twin modelling, they found that the heritability of individual fatty acids ranged from 5% to 59%, demonstrating that many fatty acids stored in adipose tissue are under substantial genetic control. Importantly, the genetic influence on some fatty acids was tissue-specific, differing from what has previously been observed in blood. 

Genome-wide association analyses identified 10 genetic loci associated with fatty acid levels or fatty acid conversion ratios in adipose tissue. Some of these loci, including SCD and FADS1, are already known to influence fatty acid metabolism. Others are newly implicated and include genes involved in lipid processing, adipose biology, and metabolic regulation. 

By integrating genetic data with adipose tissue gene expression and DNA methylation data collected from the same individuals, the researchers identified molecular mechanisms through which genetic variants influence fatty acids locally within adipose tissue. This multi-omics approach highlighted several genes and regulatory regions that may mediate these effects. 

The study also explored links between genetic risk scores for metabolic traits, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat distribution, and triglyceride levels, and adipose fatty acid composition. These analyses showed that genetic susceptibility to metabolic traits is associated with differences in fatty acids stored within adipose tissue, suggesting a link between genetic risk and fat biology. 

First author, Dr Xinyu Yan explained:  

“Our findings show that adipose tissue is not just a passive fat store – it has a genetically regulated composition that links with metabolic pathways and matters for health. Understanding how genetic loci control fatty acid levels and conversion ratios in fat tissue gives us new insight into why some people may be more prone to metabolic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.” 

Overall, the findings demonstrate that fatty acid compositions and their conversions in adipose tissue is partly genetically determined and connected to cardio-metabolic and renal health.  

Professor Kerrin Small, Scientific Director of TwinsUK, said: 

“This study highlights the value of integrating genetics with molecular data to understand the biology of fat tissue. These insights could help guide future therapies targeting metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.” 

The study was conducted in female twins of European ancestry, and future research in larger and more diverse populations, including men and different ethnic groups, will be important to confirm and extend these findings.