Clinical Obesity Research

How a dysfunction of the adipose tissue develops and how the disturbed function of the adipose tissue contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other diseases are the central research questions which are addressed by the Clinical Obesity Research Group.

Genetic and Metabolic Dysregulations Associated with Lipedema

This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the onset, progression and clinical manifestations of lipedema

Adipose tissue is characterized by an exceptional plasticity. During positive energy balance, excess lipids accumulate mainly in adipocytes resulting in increased cell size and subsequent extracellular matrix remodeling to maintain healthy adipose tissue expansion.

Lifestyle Epigenetics

This project aims to explore epigenetic regulation under certain lifestyle conditions and in response to weight-loss therapies.

Methylome, transcriptome and miRNA patterns, obtained from human samples, will be analyzed comparing longitudinal lifestyle conditions, effects of metabolic surgery and randomized controlled behavior intervention trials

CRISPR dCAS9 Based Epigenetic Editing in vitro

Target gene specific methylation editing in adipocytes to elucidate functional consequences on adipocyte differentiation.

CpG site specific methylation deposition or removal in pre-adipocytes using the CRISPR dCAS9 SunTaq model which binds several copies of the epigenetic modulators DNMT3A or TET1.

The Obese Taste Bud Study

The tongue is the primary taste organ and entry point for food stimuli. Metabolic alterations and environmental compounds such as foods may affect taste cells with long-term consequences on food choices and eating habits.

many color bright candies on female tongue

Mechanisms of Taste Bud Alterations in Obesity

The Contribution of Salivary Extra-Cellular Vesicles to Taste-Cell and Eating Behavior in People with Obesity

The objective of this study is to determine the type, amount and alterations in content of salivary extracellular vesicles in obesity.

concept of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet, weight loss. fork and knife crossed on a plate

The tongue composes of various tissue types, including salivary glands, but also adipose tissue. Extracellular vesicles (20-100nm) might derive from these compartments to modulate taste buds with potential consequences on taste signaling.