PHIP Gene Test Service
InquiryOverview
The pleckstrin homology domain interacting protein (PHIP) gene test is designed to detect mutations in the PHIP gene, which is associated with some biological functions such as cell growth, signaling, and metabolic regulation. Alterations in the PHIP gene can be linked to the onset of several diseases, including neurological disorders, obesity, and cancer. The PHIP gene test can identify whether a patient carries a genetic variant associated with these diseases, which can help doctors develop personalized treatment and prevention plans. Such genetic testing is important for understanding patients' genetic risks and optimizing medical decisions, especially in the areas of early disease screening and precision medicine.
Unlock Genetic Insights with PHIP Precision
Protheragen is dedicated to obesity-related research and has a long history of focusing on the development of innovative therapies for weight management. Our investigations encompass several key areas, including the Development of Anti-Obesity Therapeutic aimed at discovering new therapeutic options. The anti-obesity therapeutics targets include but are not limited to Hormones and Peptides, Receptors, Enzymes and Proteins, Metabolic Regulators, and Signaling Molecules. Additionally, we promote the research and development of Anti-Obesity Therapies, including but not limited to the development of small-molecule drugs, gene therapy, cell therapy, antibody therapy, tissue-engineering therapy, and nanotherapy.
Furthermore, we also conduct Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics to ensure the safety and efficacy of these new therapies.
The PHIP gene regulates appetite by enhancing the transcription of POMC. Studies have shown that the wild type of PHIP promotes the transcription of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), whereas mutations in PHIP inhibit the transcription of POMC. This means that genes carrying the PHIP variant may lead to appetite dysregulation due to suppression of POMC transcription, thereby increasing the risk of obesity. Protheragen provides a comprehensive range of Obesity Causation Analysis Services, encompassing obesity causation analysis of Genetically Induced Obesity, Disease-Induced Obesity, and Medication-Induced Obesity. The details of our PHIP gene test service are as follows.
Mutation Construction and Cell Transfection
We carry out the construction utilizing PHIP cDNA that includes an N-terminal HA tag. To enable functional studies of the PHIP gene, we use targeted mutagenesis to perform precise gene editing using the targeted mutagenesis kit to introduce specific amino acid substitutions or other types of mutations. After completing all mutation constructs, to ensure that each construct conformed to the intended design, we validate them by Sanger sequencing methods. Subsequently, we perform expression and functional studies of PHIP in cells, including analysis of its subcellular localization.
Functional Experiments
We perform a luciferase POMC transcriptional activation assay to assess the effect of PHIP on POMC gene transcription. This experiment is performed by constructing a reporter plasmid containing the POMC promoter and co-transfecting it into cells with a PHIP expression vector, and measuring the changes in transcription levels using a luciferase activity detection system. We conduct this experiment to visually evaluate the impact of PHIP on POMC transcription.
Genome Sequencing and Variant Analysis
We first extract DNA from the samples and then fully sequence them using a high-throughput sequencing platform. This process generates a large amount of data that provides the basis for subsequent variant screening. During the data processing phase, we utilize bioinformatics tools to analyze and annotate the genomic data collected to pinpoint potentially significant mutations. These steps combine molecular biology techniques and genomic analyses, allowing us to systematically assess the presence of rare variants within the PHIP gene and its associated regions.
Workflow
The workflow of our PHIP gene test service is as follows.
Applications
- PHIP gene mutations are associated with metabolic disorders and obesity. Genetic testing enables the identification of individual metabolic risks and helps to develop targeted health management and lifestyle interventions.
- PHIP gene testing can be used for early screening for genetic diseases, especially if there is a known risk of a genetic variant in the family. Genetic testing allows for the pre-identification of disease predisposition for early intervention.
- Variants in the PHIP gene may affect the body's fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and energy balance. Detection of PHIP gene variants can help predict the likelihood of weight gain by identifying whether an individual is at genetic risk for obesity.
Advantages
- Using the latest genetic testing technology and powerful bioinformatics tools, we efficiently and accurately analyze PHIP gene variants and provide our clients with clear, easy-to-understand interpretation reports.
- Our PHIP gene tests utilize the most recent scientific advances to guarantee that our detection technologies and analytical methods are at the forefront of innovation.
- Our PHIP gene test uses high-throughput sequencing technology to accurately identify mutations and variants in the DNA sequence.
Publication Data
Technologies: Sanger sequencing
Journal: Cell Metabolism
Published: 2020
IF: 22.4
Results: This article explores the genes and gene clusters linked to severe obesity in children. It identifies three specific genes-PHIP, DGKI, and ZMYM4-that are associated with this condition. Among these, the wild-type PHIP gene promotes POMC transcription, whereas certain variants of PHIP inhibit it. Nuclear PHIP plays a direct role in enhancing the transcription of POMC, which is a neuropeptide involved in appetite suppression. Additionally, it was observed that obesity-related variants of PHIP lead to reduced POMC transcription levels. This suggests that PHIP variants may affect POMC transcription by reducing the availability of nuclear PHIP, leading to the development of obesity. In addition, it was found that rare variants at gene loci associated with BMI were enriched in severe obesity.
Fig.1 Result of the PHlP association study in detail. (Marenne, et al., 2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is a good candidate for PHIP gene testing?
If obesity is a problem in more than one person in the family, it may suggest a genetic factor, and genetic testing can help to understand one's potential risk for obesity. It is also suitable for people who are confused about the cause of their obesity and want more information at the genetic level to develop a personalized weight loss or health management plan.
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If the test results show a high risk of obesity, does that mean that one is obese?
Genes are only one of the factors that influence obesity. Lifestyle, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, also plays a crucial role in weight. Even if you are genetically predisposed to a high risk of obesity, it is possible to counteract the risk posed by your genes and maintain a healthy weight by maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and effective stress management.
Protheragen has developed a specialized PHIP gene testing service tailored to your needs. Our team consists of experienced experts who utilize advanced technology and meticulous methods to ensure the provision of accurate and dependable results for PHIP gene testing. Should you wish to find out more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us!
Reference
- Marenne, G.; et al. Exome sequencing identifies genes and gene sets contributing to severe childhood obesity, linking PHIP variants to repressed POMC transcription. Cell Metabolism. 2020, 31(6): 1107-1119. e12. (CC BY 4.0)
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.