University of Cambridge - Metabolic Research Laboratories - MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit - Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Epigenetic programming of growth and metabolism across the life-course
Appropriate allocation of maternal resources to the offspring is critical for successful reproduction, fetal and infant growth. Furthermore, the nutritional environment in which the mammalian fetus or infant develops influences the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which the early environment influences long-term metabolic health across the life-course remain poorly defined. The global aim of our research is to establish novel mechanistic principles that underlie the early origins of metabolic disease using (epi)genome-wide technologies and systems biology approaches. We aim to: 1) define the signalling networks that operate between the fetus, the placenta and the mother to control resource allocation and growth; 2) to define (epi)genetic mechanisms by which early-life growth impairment alters maternal and offspring metabolism; 3) to establish the effects of maternal diet and age on epigenetically regulated promoter enhancer interactions across the genome.
Team:
- Wendy Cooper (post-doc)
- Ionel Sandovici (post-doc)
- Laura Kusinski (post-doc)
- Niahm Campbell (PhD student)
- Constanze Hammerle (PhD student)