Research Sigri Beckers

Abstract

Obesity is currently one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Genetic research has already identified several genetic variants that contribute to the development of the disease. However, these variants currently only explain about 1.5% of variance in BMI, demonstrating that a large number of the genetic factors involved remain unknown. Research into structural variations can possibly identify new candidate genes that can contribute to this so-called "missing heritability". Previous research from our group has identified a microdeletion containing the PREPL gene in an obese patient, indicating that this gene might be important in the pathophysiology of obesity. Therefore, we aim to study the role of PREPL in obesity further in the current research proposal through screening of a large population of obese children and adolescents, as well as a group of healthy, lean subjects, in search of additional carriers of the PREPL-containing deletion and carriers of loss-of-function mutations in this gene. With this research, we will therefore be able to contribute considerably to the knowledge about the development of obesity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Sigri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is based on the results regarding resistin obtained during a previous project. Its main objective is to investigate the role of resistin in the development of obesity and osteoporosis. To achieve this, we will study the influence of resistin on different cellular levels, from the mesenchymal stem cell to the mature osteoblast and adipocyte, and also on a genetic level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hul Wim
• Fellow: Beckers Sigri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With this project we aim to contribute to the search for genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, a disease characterized by excess fat storage. This disease is accompanied by several co-morbidities of which insulin resistance is most prevalent. Our research objectives are the following: first, we will evaluate the role of monogenic obesity in the Belgian population by performing mutation analysis of 6 functional candidate genes and by performing a linkage study to discover a new gene. Our second objective is to evaluate the role of complex obesity which we will study by means of association studies with our selected candidate genes. Achieving these goals will contribute substantially to the knowledge about the etiology of obesity and its associated insulin resistance. This knowledge will lead to the development of new and better treatment of the disease.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hul Wim
• Fellow: Beckers Sigri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With this project we aim to contribute to the search for genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, a disease characterized by excess fat storage. This disease is accompanied by several co-morbidities of which insulin resistance is most prevalent. Our research objectives are the following: first, we will evaluate the role of monogenic obesity in the Belgian population by performing mutation analysis of 6 functional candidate genes and by performing a linkage study to discover a new gene. Our second objective is to evaluate the role of complex obesity which we will study by means of association studies with our selected candidate genes. Achieving these goals will contribute substantially to the knowledge about the etiology of obesity and its associated insulin resistance. This knowledge will lead to the development of new and better treatment of the disease.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hul Wim
• Fellow: Beckers Sigri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project