Unrelated Diseases Can Share Common Underlying Genetic Factors

July 21, 2016 • A recent study by NRI researcher Saroja Voruganti and her laboratory highlights the value of genome-wide analysis and underscores the reality that seemingly unrelated diseases often share common, underlying factors. In their recent publication (Chittoor et al., 2016) the researchers identified two genes, ITPR1 and CNTN4, as potential mediators of uric acid concentration. Notably, neither of these genes shows an obvious connection to uric acid, but they have been linked to autism and other neurological disorders.

NRI presents inaugural short course for nutrition specialists

May 23, 2016 • The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) holds its first short course in Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics and Precision Nutrition, May 23 – 26. This workshop-style educational course features 16 expert-led presentations on an array of topics including “Nutrition and Epigenetics” and “MicroRNA and Metabolic Profiling.” State-of-the-art practice is an important component of the short course. In hands-on sessions participants will learn to analyze and interpret genetic data using PLINK, Harvard’s open-source, whole-genome association analysis software toolset.

NRI Postdoctoral Research Associate receives Trainee Merit Award from the ASA

April 26, 2016 • Summer Goodson earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Development Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011. Now, only five years later, she has been recognized for a significant contribution in the field of andrology. In April, at the 41st Annual American Society of Andrology (ASA) Conference in New Orleans, LA, she was evaluated by anonymous judges and became one of four out of 148 trainees to receive the Trainee Merit Award.

Study of Space Travelers Helps Explain Disease in the Earthbound

Study of Space Travelers Helps Explain Disease in the Earthbound

April 26, 2016 • Some inherited genetic mutations have obvious harmful effects, such as those associated with cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. Now, scientists are learning more about stress-induced effects of gene mutations. We have known for some time that certain astronauts who had spent time at the International Space Station developed vision problems.