The fat mass and obesity associated gene (Fto) regulates activity of the dopaminergic midbrain circuitry

Previous studies have shown genome-wide associations between polymorphisms in the gene FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) and type 2 diabetes and obesity, and genetic manipulation of Fto in mice causes feeding dysregulation and body weight changes. Here Hess et al. show that FTO affects the activity and function of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and subsequent reward-related behaviors. The study also shows that FTO acts as a demethylating enzyme for specific mRNAs in vivo, including mRNAs in the dopaminergic signaling pathway.