Novel genes on rat chromosome 10 are linked to body fat mass, preadipocyte number and adipocyte size

We have previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 10 in a F2 cross of WOKW and Dark Agouti rats responsible for obesity and cholesterol metabolism. To pinpoint the region carrying causal genes, we established two new sub-congenic lines, L1 and L2, with refined segments of chromosome10. All lines were extensively characterized under different diet conditions. We employed transcriptome analysis in visceral adipose tissue (AT) by RNA-Seq technology to identify potential underlying genes in the segregating regions. Three candidate genes were measured in paired samples of visceral and s…