Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Nutrition, metabolism and gene expression

A healthy life depends on the balance between nutrient uptake and the metabolism of the individual. While macronutrients serve as the source of both energy and structural building blocks of the organism, micronutrients are required for various activities that are essential for metabolic processes including energy generation. Our work revolve around the premise that the energy and chemical homeostasis of the body is maintained by a cohort of pathways and the feeding habits as well as the ratio of different macronutrients in the staple diet determines which pathway is predominant in an organism at a given time.

The interaction between micronutrients and macronutrients sets stage for a complex interaction network of different pathways, the outcome of which will determine the health of the individual. Such interactions could also be influenced by the genetic polymorphisms, possibly creating individualistic differences in the utilization and requirements of macro and micro nutrients. Deregulation of such interaction networks can have long-term effects on health. A detailed understanding of these interactions is essential to devise next-generation public health policy regarding nutritional requirements. 

Since metabolic homeostasis involves multiple organs, an imbalance in one system affects others leading to a domino effect on multiple organs. To elucidate the effects of nutrient-metabolic interactions, a systems level approach that integrates multiple organ systems, which takes into account differential molecular changes in organ systems is required. Moreover, unravelling the cause-effect relationship between the organ specific molecular functions and the overall physiological output is essential to develop technologies and pharmaceuticals to advance public health. 

We use genomics and molecular biology tools to elucidate the effect of nutrient-metabolic interactions in multiple organ systems including skeletal muscle, liver, intestine bones, and immune system using vitamin D metabolism as a model system.