Our research

The epigenome consists of chemical modifications attached to our DNA, which can be altered due to environmental factors, e.g., exercise, and thereby provides dynamic gene regulation and gives each cell or tissue its unique identity and functions.

We investigate epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and their association with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic risk. Using samples from exercise interventions helps us understand how regular exercise interferes with these dynamic features and gives biological insights into metabolic adaptation to exercise. Eventually, we aim to identify novel epigenetic biomarkers that predict response to exercise and mediate the beneficial effects of exercise, which may lead to more effective prediction, prevention, and treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Aims

• Investigate how exercise influences DNA methylation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue using genome-wide arrays

• Connect altered DNA methylation in response to exercise to transcription levels

• Identify epigenetic biomarkers that may predict response to exercise and that mediate the beneficial effects of exercise

Impact

Our studies address common disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, i.e., a problem of medical relevance affecting global health. Notably, this project will most likely discover novel targets of importance for future prediction, prevention, and treatment of metabolic disorders.

How our research contributes to CoPARLU

We have generated DNA methylation and mRNA expression array data from adipose tissue and skeletal muscle before and after a 6-months exercise intervention. This data can be used to follow up or expand on other researchers’ projects.