Topic: The link between gene mutations and obesity in Labradors and children

Transcription

1 Lewton 1 Jaron Lewton Formal Outline for Informative Speech Kevin Miller, professor CO215 Public Speaking Huntington University 20 May 2016 Topic: The link between gene mutations and obesity in Labradors and children General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the link between gene mutations and obesity in humans and Labradors Thesis Statement: A mutation in the POMC gene may be linked to obesity in humans and Labradors. Outline Organization of Main Points: Cause-effect INTRODUCTION [Attention getter] Growing up I can remember always having at least one dog at home, if not more. One of my family s dogs in particular was Kodiak, a massive chocolate Labrador retriever. When I think about Kodiak, I remember him most for his size and how he had a sixth sense for finding food. If it wasn t his own food we gave him twice a day, he would always find something whether it be the cat s food, a dead animal, etc. Because he ate so much, Kodiak was always overweight, but I never considered it to be anything more than his personality as a big dog, until now. [Story: Personal Memory]

2 Lewton 2 [Audience Connection] Whether you have had a Lab or not, I think we all know someone who has. We can all probably picture an overweight dog, but have you ever considered that there may be more reason behind why they are so big? [Topic orientation step] Today I would like to talk about the link between gene mutations and obesity in humans and Labradors. [Thesis] Today I will be sharing about a mutation that has been found in the POMC gene and its link to obesity in humans and Labradors. [Preview step] First we will define and consider the major responsibilities of the POMC gene, then we will take a deeper look into the mutation in the gene that lead to obesity in both humans and Labradors. BODY I. According to an article published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, the POMC gene is connected to a hormone located in the brain, responsible for regulating body weight and glucose levels. [Fact: Mencarelli et. al] A. The POMC gene is responsible for informing both humans and Labradors when they have ate to their fill. [Summary: Scharping] B. The POMC gene is also responsible for regulating glucose, or blood sugar, levels. 1. The gene has multiple hormones derived from peptides, (chains of amino acids) known as beta-msh and cortisol, that functions as a receptor to reduce appetite and control blood sugar. [Summary: POMC ]

3 Lewton 3 2. [Transparency] This diagram shows where the gene is located in the brain, the hypothalamus, which is connected to several body parts and controls the regulation and balance of their inputs. [Paraphrase: "Adrenocorticotropic Hormone"] 1. Several parts connected to POMC include glucose, incretins, and insulin which help regulate blood sugar and involve the hormone cortisol. [Fact: "Adrenocorticotropic Hormone"] 2. Leptin, which helps control body fat, is also connected to the gene and involves the beta-msh hormone. [Fact: "Adrenocorticotropic Hormone"] [Transition: The gene itself is very helpful, but when mutations occur, they can lead to very serious problems.] II. Mutations in the POMC gene may be responsible for increases in obesity. A. A study published in the European Journal Of Human Genetics, showed that the mutation in the POMC gene is caused by a substitution of one amino acid, arginine, for another, glycine, in a small section of DNA. [Paraphrase: Menacarelli et. al] B. The POMC mutation may also mix up part of the genetic code and delete part of its sequence, causing it to operate incorrectly. [Fact: Faulty Gene May ]

4 Lewton 4 1. One example of this was published in the International Journal of Obesity, and revealed the story of an eleven year old boy who has been obese since age three due to this mutation. [Example: Miraglia] 2. Although much lower occurrence in humans, the mutation occurs in about 23% or Labrador Retrievers, or in other words, if each of you were a Lab, 4-5 of you would have the mutation. [Statistic: Faulty Gene May ] CONCLUSION [Topic and Thesis summary] In conclusion, the POMC gene is critically important to maintaining a healthy weight, not just for humans, but also for some animals including Labrador Retrievers. Disruptions or changes in this particular gene can have a bad result and may lead to uncontrollable weight gain and eventually, obesity and type 2 diabetes. [Audience reconnection and clincher statement] Understanding this rare, but serious mutation, may help us think twice before blaming a Lab or child for being extremely overweight.

5 Lewton 5 Works Cited "Adrenocorticotropic Hormone." IKnowledge. Word, 28 Mar Web. 18 May "Faulty Gene May Help Explain Why Food-Obsessed Labradors Top Obesity Charts." ABC Premium News (n.d.): McClatchy-Tribune Collection. Web. 18 May Mencarelli, Monica, et al. "A Novel Missense Mutation In The Signal Peptide Of The Human POMC Gene: A Possible Additional Link Between Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes And Obesity." European Journal Of Human Genetics: EJHG (2012): MEDLINE. Web. 18 May Miraglia del Giudice, E., et al. "Molecular Screening Of The Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) Gene In Italian Obese Children: Report Of Three New Mutations." International Journal Of Obesity And Related Metabolic Disorders : Journal Of The International Association For The Study Of Obesity 25.1 (2001): Agricola. Web. 18 May "POMC." Genetics Home Reference. US Department of Health and Human Services, 17 May Web. 19 May Scharping, Nathaniel. "Pudgy Dogs and Humans May Share a Key Genetic Mutation." Discover 3 May 2016: n. pag. Discover. Web. 18 May 2016.