A recent study published in Science highlights the value of pet dogs as a model for understanding obesity in both humans and animals. This work was led by PDN and Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS) academic Dr Eleanor Raffan, along with PhD students Dr Natalie Wallis and Dr Alyce McClellan. Each of the top five genes implicated a genome-wide association study for obesity in pet Labrador dogs were also relevant to human obesity. The lead variant was within the gene DENND1B, which they went on to show affects signaling through melanocortin receptors, a critical nexus in the brain control of energy homeostasis.
The team also developed the first-ever polygenic risk score (PRS) for obesity in dogs and used it to show that high appetite mediates the increased genetic risk. Since owners largely control their dogs' activity and food intake, the results illustrated how genetic obesity risk renders some individuals particularly susceptible to weight gain in a conducive environment. Owners of high risk dogs need to be particularly diligent to keep their pets at a healthy weight, whereas low risk dogs tend to stay lean with even relaxed management.
These findings not only advance veterinary medicine but also reinforce the value of dogs as a powerful non-traditional animal model. Dr Raffan was recently awarded the 2025 Blaine Award for contributions to the advancement of small animal science from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Read the study in full at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads2145