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
NRI Director receives prestigious Greenberg Award
Stephen H. Zeisel, M.D., Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished University Professor in Nutrition and Pediatrics and UNC NRI Director, was the 2012 recipient of the Bernard G. Greenberg Alumni Endowment Award from the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. Dr. Zeisel was recognized for excellence in service to the public health community.
Dr. Karen Corbin studies non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Research shows that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms of liver disease are increasing. Dr. Karen Corbin is studying how to prevent the accumulation of fat in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, looking at genetics, diet and exercise.
NRI Interns featured in Salisbury Post
Interns Grace Millsap, Hillary Tuggle and Niju Khatiwada spend their time at the NRI exploring connections between cognition and nutrition, helping with marketing and promotion, and learning data management.
NRI Director Tells How To "Fight Cancer with Your Fork"
Dr. Zeisel’s lecture on nutrition and cancer, the first session of our five-part Appetite for Life Academy series that is currently underway, was featured this week in the Salisbury Post. 159 people from the surrounding area joined us for the lecture.
Appetite for Life SoundBites Spring 2012
In this issue:
Harris Teeter, The Dickson Foundation establish first Professorship at NRI
$8.9M grant to unravel Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
2012 Appetite for Life Seminar Series Highlights
NRI’s new Scholar’s Cove now open
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards $100,000 grant to NRI
NRI Receives Grant From Gates Foundation
Dr. Steven H. Zeisel, UNC NRI Director, will pursue an innovative global health and development research project, “Choline and Optimal Development”, through a Grand Challenges Explorations grant awarded by the Bill & Melina Gates Foundation.