Powered by
Kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) is an intracellular scaffolding protein involved in multiple signaling pathways. Targeted deletion of Ksr2 leads to obesity in mice, suggesting a role in energy homeostasis. We explored the role of KSR2 in humans by sequencing 2,101 individuals with severe early-onset obesity and 1,536 controls. We identified multiple rare variants in KSR2 that disrupt signaling through the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway and impair cellular fatty acid oxidation and glucose oxidation in transfected cells; effects that can be ameliorated by the commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug, metformin. Mutation carriers exhibit hyperphagia in childhood, low heart rate, reduced basal metabolic rate and severe insulin resistance. These data establish KSR2 as an important regulator of energy intake, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization in humans. Modulation of KSR2-mediated effects may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Mutations in KSR2 are associated with obesity in humans
Mutations affect ERK signaling and impair the oxidation of glucose and fatty acids
Patients display hyperphagia, insulin resistance, and a reduced basal metabolic rate
KSR2 is an important regulator of energy intake and expenditure in humans
Mutations in KSR2, a scaffolding protein involved in multiple signaling pathways, lead to severe metabolic alterations that cause early onset obesity in humans.