Lifestyle Epigenetics
Lifestyle Epigenetics
Epigenetic alterations may reflect behavior that is associated with eating habits, physical activity, weight gain and weight loss. Epigenetic changes or marks may not only serve as markers for a certain behavior, they may also represent a mechanism that links obesity to related comorbid disorders.
Thus, we analyze targeted and genome wide DNA methylation, mRNA expression and miRNA changes in cells from blood and adipose tissue of individuals i) participating in randomized controlled behavior intervention trials, ii) undergoing metabolic surgery or iii) living in a predefined obesogenic or healthy environment based on diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol.
The obtained stable and modifiable epigenetic pattern will then be used to develop markers and targets for personalized obesity therapy.
Scientists working in the project
