Human nutrition and epigenetic alterations

Adequate control of energy homeostasis is imperative for organismal health and is as such under the tight control of a complex network of cellular and endocrine players. From an evolutionary standpoint, these mechanisms were predominantly introduced as a defence against starvation and are thus only insufficiently designed to cope with the continuous hypercaloric challenges encountered today mainly in the form of excessive overnutrition in combination with physical inactivity. Consequently, the rate at which obesity, diabetes and a considerable number of associated comorbidities are expanding is spiralling out of control and urgently requires the conception of novel treatment strategies. Our aim is twofold: 1) We aim to better understand the epigenetic events that are associated with and are contributing to the aetiology of metabolic diseases - studying the epigenetic ramifications of hypercaloric challenges like high-fat diet and persistent or dormant effects as seen in yoyo-diets. 2) We seek to delineate and functionally understand the epigenetic patterns that are induced by beneficial lifestyle interventions such as altered dietary patterns and compositions (e.g. intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, probiotics).