Skip to main content
Medicine doctor touching electronic medical record on tablet. DNA
ipopba - stock.adobe.com

Diabetes and Related Traits

We aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, using this information to refine subtype definitions for precision medicine.

We aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, using this information to refine subtype definitions for precision medicine.

About our Research

Our research focuses on the molecular analysis of traits related to metabolic diseases. We combine state-of-the-art laboratory and statistical methods in large human cohorts to study the complex interplay between molecular mechanisms, environment and lifestyle in the context of the onset and progression of disease.

 

People at Diabetes and Related Traits

Porträt Harald Grallert

Dr. Harald Grallert

Head of Research Group 'Diabetes and Related Traits', Scientist View profile
Porträt Qiuling Dong

Qiuling Dong

PhD Student
Porträt Jiefei Niu

Jiefei Niu

PhD Student
Porträt Sapna Sharma

Dr. Sapna Sharma

Senior Scientist
Porträt Marketa Rynesova

Markéta Fuchs (née Rynesova)

PhD Student

Andreas Schmidt

Guest PhD Student
Porträt Homa Bazireh

Homa Bazireh

PhD Student
Porträt Esienanwan Efiong

Dr. Esienanwan Efiong

Postdoc
Porträt Elke Rodriguez

Dr. Elke Rodriguez

Senior Scientist

Aiman Farzeen

PhD Student
Porträt Chisom Soremekun

Chisom Soremekun

Visiting PhD Student

Sylwia Pietrasik

TA

Our Projects

Funded by DFG | 2023-2026

Precise characterization of metabolic risk loci using long-read NGS approach

In our project, we aim to analyze a T2D/prediabetes case-control cohort from the KORA FF4 study using a comprehensive genetic approach, incorporating Nanopore long read sequencing for fine mapping patient-specific risk loci.

Funded by BMBF | 2023-2028

NAKO - Expert Group Omics

Our role in this project is molecular phenotyping using OMICS Technologies. We are coordinating the NAKO expert group OMICS, which develops concepts for implementation of molecular phenotyping and its analysis. Currently, our focus is to isolate high-quality DNA and coordinating genomic data generation, applying Genotyping for all 200k, sequencing for a larger subsample (~25k), and methylation typing in 5k NAKO participants. Together with GHGA we implement long-term storage and access of molecular data for the scientific community. In addition, we support generation of other OMICS layers in close collaboration with partners from the NAKO expert group OMICS.

Funded by BMBF | Since 2009

DZD

In the framework of the DZD we contribute molecular epidemiological resources in our cohorts (KORA, NAKO) to identify new biomarkers for prediction or improved prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. These resources will be further developed to be used to validate findings in animal or cell models on human population level.

Funded by DAAD | 2023-2025

T2D in African populations

The study aims to explore the genetics of type-2 diabetes in individuals of African ancestry, using diverse statistical methodologies and leveraging genomic data from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Malawi, and Uganda. By identifying genetic variants associated with type-2 diabetes and evaluating their cumulative impact on an individual's susceptibility, the research aims to pave the way for precision medicine interventions tailored to the unique genetic makeup of diverse populations.

Funded by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation | 2023-2025

Diabetic Nephropathy

We aim to identify early precise biomarkers of renal insufficiency in diabetic nephropathy (DN) before apparent changes in kidney function occurs. The research is targeted at proteomic signatures associated with DN in diabetic cohorts and explores the inhibitory efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina leaves and Aloe vera var chinensis root extracts on MST1, an enzyme linked to DN progression. Positive results could enhance differential diagnosis and intervention in DN, potentially improving life expectancy for individuals with diabetes.

Highlighted Publications

See all

Contact Head

Porträt Harald Grallert

Dr. Harald Grallert

Head of Research Group 'Diabetes and Related Traits', Scientist

Building 34 Room 308a