Whole-exome sequencing combined with postoperative data identify c.1614dup (CAMKK2) as a novel candidate monogenic obesity variant

Abstract

Early-onset obesity is a rising health concern influenced by heredity. However, many monogenic obesity variants (MOVs) remain to be discovered due to differences in ethnicity and culture. Additionally, patients with known MOVs have shown limited weight loss after bariatric surgery, suggesting it can be used as a screening tool for new candidates. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) combined with postoperative data to detect candidate MOVs in a cohort of 62 early-onset obesity and 9 late-onset obesity patients. Our findings demonstrated that patients with early-onset obesity preferred a higher BMI and waist circumference (WC). We confirmed the efficacy of the method by identifying a mutation in known monogenic obesity gene, PCSK1, which resulted in less weight loss after surgery. 5 genes were selected for further verification, and a frameshift variant in CAMKK2 gene: NM_001270486.1, c.1614dup, (p. Gly539Argfs*3) was identified as a novel candidate MOV. This mutation influenced the improvement of metabolism after bariatric surgery. In conclusion, our data confirm the efficacy of WES combined with postoperative data in detecting novel candidate MOVs and c.1614dup (CAMKK2) might be a promising MOV, which needs further confirmation. This study enriches the human monogenic obesity mutation database and provides a scientific basis for clinically accurate diagnosis and treatment.