Know Your Genes: TFAP2B “Protein Gene”

The Transcription factor AP 2 beta (TFAP2B) gene is associated with the synthesis of transcription factor AP 2 beta, which is associated with the stimulation of cell proliferation and in the destruction of cells (apoptosis).

Our ancestors consumed a diet that is believed to have been 35% high in fats, 35% from carbohydrates and 30% from proteins.

People with certain variations of the TFAP2B are associated with a better response to high protein in the diet.

Association of Protein Intake with Weight Gain Tendency

In a study conducted to identify a suitable diet for weight loss, a trial was conducted among 932 obese families.

People with the A variant of the gene were shown to be associated with lower weight regain on a high protein diet (>5.4 points higher protein intake than the normal protein intake group) and low G.I carbohydrates group.

In another study, people with the G variant on a high protein diet gained 1.84 kg per risk allele, when compared to people with the AA genotype.

Does your 23andme, Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have your TFAP2B variants?

CHIP Version	TFAP2B SNPs
*23andMe (Use your 23andMe raw data to know your TFAP2B* Variant**)
v1 23andMe	Present
v2 23andMe	Present
v3 23andMe	Present
v4 23andMe	Present
v5 23andMe (current)	Present
*AncestryDNA (Use your ancestry DNA raw data to know your TFAP2B* Variant**)
v1 AncestryDNA	Present
v2 AncestryDNA (current)	Present
*Family Tree DNA (Use your FTDNA raw data to know your TFAP2B* Variant**)
OmniExpress microarray chip	Present

TFAP2B variants and its implications - Protein intake

Genotype rs987237	Phenotype	Recommendations
GG	[Limitation] More likely to have higher weight regain on a high protein diet	Eat a balanced meal
AG	Moderate weight regain on a high protein diet	Eat a balanced meal
AA	[Advantage] More likely to have lower weight regain on a high protein diet	A high protein diet helps curb hunger Protein rich food sources are seafood, cheese, soy, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and meat Choose protein sources that have nutritive value like salmon which is rich in omega 3 or beans which is rich in fiber.