Genes and Nutrition
Each of us is metabolically unique. Gene variations known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) often are a factor in an individual’s ability to metabolize or use nutrients efficiently. Each of our specific nutrient needs is affected by which specific combination of SNPs we have, but with thousands known to impact nutrition metabolism, how do we know what those needs are?
NRI researchers are working to create a “catalog” of SNPs that alter our nutritional needs by understanding how genetic and other complex biological information can be used to better estimate individual nutrition requirements and intolerances. Our scientists use bioinformatics to extract such information from population and intervention studies, develop rules for predicting individual needs, and bring precision nutrition to health care providers and consumers with digital tools.
Publications
Genes and Nutrition Publications
2020
Genetic variants affecting bone mineral density and bone mineral content at multiple skeletal sites in Hispanic children. Voruganti VS
Precision (Personalized) Nutrition: Understanding Metabolic Heterogeneity. Zeisel S
2019
DNA methylation in mice is influenced by genetics as well as sex and life experience. French J
Cytosolic 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase regulates glycine metabolism in mouse liver. Krupenko S
Deleterious mutations in ALDH1L2 suggest a novel cause for neuro-ichthyotic syndrome. Krupenko S
Fine mapping and identification of serum urate loci in American Indians: The Strong Heart Family Study. Voruganti VS
Heterogeneity in Metabolic Responses to Dietary Fructose. Voruganti VS
Genetic analysis of hsCRP in American Indians: The Strong Heart Family Study. Voruganti VS
A trans-ancestral meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies reveals loci associated with childhood obesity. Voruganti VS
Healthy dietary patterns and risk and survival of breast cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Voruganti VS
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Genome-Wide Interaction Analyses Reveal DPP10-Pulmonary Function Association. Voruganti VS
2018
C16-ceramide is a natural regulatory ligand of p53 in cellular stress response. Krupenko N
Nutritional Genomics of Cardiovascular Disease. Voruganti VS
Genetic determinants of BMI from early childhood to adolescence: the Santiago Longitudinal Study. Voruganti VS
Serum Lipid Concentrations and FADS Genetic Variants in Young Mexican College Students: The UP-AMIGOS Cohort Study. Voruganti VS
Arsenic-gene interactions and beta-cell function in the Strong Heart Family Study. Voruganti VS
Dietary Modulation of the Epigenome. Zeisel S
2017
Exome sequencing reveals novel genetic loci influencing obesity-related traits in Hispanic children. Voruganti VS
Genetic variation underlying renal uric acid excretion in Hispanic children: the Viva La Familia Study. Voruganti VS
Reduced brain volume and impaired memory in betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase knockout mice. Zeisel S
Choline, Other Methyl-Donors and Epigenetics. Zeisel S
2016
CerS6 Is a Novel Transcriptional Target of p53 Protein Activated by Non-genotoxic Stress. Krupenko N
Genotype, B-vitamin status, and androgens affect spaceflight-induced ophthalmic changes. Zeisel S
Related News
Mother's Diet Impacts Development of Baby's Brain
January 2, 2016 • Children of mothers whose diet during pregnancy was deficient in the essential nutrient choline have lower performance on cognitive tests. Cognition is rooted in the brain’s cortex, but a direct link between maternal dietary choline levels and cortical development in offspring had not been demonstrated. Experimental evidence of this link, and identification of a physiological mechanism, would greatly enhance our understanding of the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy.
Effects of Inadequate Hydration on Kidney Disease
December 21, 2015 • While drinking at least eight glasses of water a day may not be necessary under normal conditions, maintaining adequate hydration, especially during physical exertion in warm weather, is essential for optimal health.
ACLY and ACC1 Regulate Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis by Modulating ETV4 via α-ketoglutarate
“ACLY and ACC1 Regulate Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis by Modulating ETV4 via α-ketoglutarate”. Keenan MM, Liu B, Tang X, Jianli Wu J, Cyr D, Robert D, RD, Olga Ilkayeva O, Huang Z, Susan K. Murphy SK, Joseph Lucas J, Deborah M. Muoio DM, Kim SY Jen-Tsan Chi JT (2015). PLoS Genet, 11(10).
Comprehensive profiling of amino acid response uncovers unique methionine-deprived response dependent on intact creatine biosynthesis
“Comprehensive profiling of amino acid response uncovers unique methionine-deprived response dependent on intact creatine biosynthesis”. Tang X, Keenan MM, Wu J, Lin CA, Dubois L, Thompson JW, Freedland SJ, Murphy SK, Chi JT (2015). PLoS Genet. 11(4).
Acidosis induces reprogramming of cellular metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress
“Acidosis induces reprogramming of cellular metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress”. LaMonte GM, Tang X, Chen LY, Wu J, Ding CK, Keenan MM, Sangokoya C, Kung HN, Ilkayeva O, Boros LG, Newgard CB and Chi JT (2013). Cancer & Metabolism, 1(1): 23.
A joint analysis of metabolomics and genetics of breast cancer
“A joint analysis of metabolomics and genetics of breast cancer”. Tang X, Lin CC, Spasojevic I, Iversen ES, Chi JT, Marks JR (2014). Breast Cancer Res. 16(4): 415.