Enable 2.0

Identification of metabolic state-dependently methylated odorant receptor genes as early prospective a childhood overwei ht risk markers

Focus project 2, module 2, “Early indicators for obesity,” will investigate whether metabolism-dependent methylated odor receptor genes can be used as early risk indicators for obesity in childhood. The working hypothesis is that target gene bisulfite DNA sequencing and RT-qPCR can be used to identify the metabolism-dependent gene expression of certain odor receptor genes as biomarkers. To this end, the DNA methylation and transcription of odor receptor genes in leukocytes of overweight schoolchildren will be investigated in comparison to normal-weight schoolchildren. In addition, candidate genes from the same children of obese mothers will be examined in umbilical cord blood at birth. This new research approach combines expertise in determining the transcription levels of odor receptor genes in blood leukocytes with the use and statistical analysis of prospectively collected data and biomaterials from the PEACHES (LMU) mother-child cohort. The aim of subproject FA2, module 3 is: 1. To identify odor receptor (OR) genes that differ significantly in terms of their DNA methylation pattern and transcription levels in neutrophils/peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in overweight vs. normal-weight 7-8-year-old children. In addition, these candidate OR genes will be evaluated in umbilical cord blood from offspring of obese mothers as possible early risk indicators for childhood obesity.

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - DLR

Kompetenzcluster Ernährungsforschung