Thus, although there are some inconsistencies between the different mouse models to be worked out, the weight of evidence supports the notion that FTO itself can influence energy homeostasis by having direct effect on food intake. These findings are in keeping with the association between the FTO risk alleles and increase in food intake. Central nervous system (CNS) specific Fto deleted mice have now been generated.163 Surprisingly, these brain-specific Fto deficient mice recapitulate much of the phenotype of the whole-body knock-outs,163 suggesting that an important proportion of FTO’s function, particularly its link to the regulation of energy homeostasis is mediated in the brain.
