Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was found to be hypomethylated and 6.1-fold higher gene expression in Ob VAT as compared to L. The role of PTEN in obesity and metabolic dysfunction remains unclear with studies showing constitutive over-expression resulting in improved energy expenditure (through adipose browning), improved glucose homeostasis, and longer lifespans [37] while adipose-specific deletion [38] also results in improved metabolic parameters. This evidence concerns the gene PTEN and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.