Omics, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic Diseases
Overview
Our research is deeply invested in unraveling the complex molecular signals that intricately connect obesity with cardiometabolic diseases. We are particularly focused on the demanding role of obesity in altering metabolic pathways and functions, which significantly impact the progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Within the framework of the CARDIA study, we leverage longitudinal metabolomics data to dissect and understand metabolic disturbances as they relate to cardiometabolic health. Our interest is piqued by the evolution of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) against the backdrop of persistent metabolic stress induced by obesity and established CVD risk factors. In parallel, our work extends to China, where we investigate the microbiome and metabolome amidst the nation's dietary transition towards Westernized consumption patterns.
Our Collaborative Team
At the heart of our research is a dynamic team of UNC scholars, a collective that includes Drs. Kari North, Christy Avery, Annie Green Howard, and a host of other distinguished scientists, each contributing their unique expertise to our collective goal. The project benefits immensely from close coordination with CARDIA Field Center Principal Investigators situated across various esteemed institutions.
Key Research Projects & Funding Sources
We are at the helm of several critical research projects, each underpinned by generous grants from the National Institutes of Health:
- R01HL143885 - Metabolic Challenges of Obesity in Relation to Cardiovascular Diseases: With funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, we are probing the metabolic undercurrents of obesity to elucidate their connections to cardiovascular ailments. Our efforts here are geared towards identifying potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets to alleviate the global CVD burden.
- R01DK104371 - Transition to a Western Diet and Cardiometabolic Risk: Sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this project casts a spotlight on China's rapid dietary evolution. We aim to discern how dietary changes influence the gut microbiota and subsequent plasma metabolites, and how these changes correlate with cardiometabolic disease markers on a global scale.
- 1R01HD057194 - Exome Variants Underlying Weight Gain from Adolescence to Adulthood: Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, this research seeks to understand how genetic variation impacts weight-related traits during the pivotal transition from adolescence to adulthood—a crucial period for weight gain.
Research Continuity & Expansion
Our exploration commenced with the seminal project "Gene-Environment Interactions and Weight Gain (R01HD057194)," which laid the groundwork for our current understanding of the interplay between genetics, environment, and their influence on BMI during critical life stages.
Data Integration and Extensive Collaborations
Under the stewardship of Penny Gordon-Larsen, our research not only draws on the extensive data from the Add Health study but also enriches it. We have developed an innovative database known as the Obesity & Neighborhood Environment database (ONEdata), which facilitates a deeper analysis and understanding of obesity-related factors. Collaborative ties extend to consortiums such as CHARGE, CHNS, and CLHNS, providing a comprehensive view of weight gain under varying environmental conditions, similar to those observed in the Add Health cohort.