Research

Research in the Nutrition Obesity Research Program has three focus areas and several ongoing research study initiatives.

Focus areas

• Discovery science. Discovery science is research that takes place in the laboratory. Discovery science provides the foundation for studies that help improve medical care. By focusing on biological processes, researchers learn more about complex conditions. This knowledge fuels the development of breakthrough therapies and critical advances in care.
• Translational science. Translational science is moving discoveries from the lab, also called the bench, to clinical care, also called the bedside. Significant advances have been made in recent years in understanding the cellular and molecular processes of nutrition and obesity. Our aim is to translate these observations into care and treatment and, conversely, to translate human observations into more molecular and cellular studies in the lab. Supported with strong multi-omics platforms and faithful to Mayo Clinic's core — the interests of the patient come first — we aim to be the first to bring new technologies to the bedside and unique observations to the bench.
• Application to care. Obesity treatment is complex and rapidly evolving, and it includes healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines. Our program aims to study systems and processes to effectively use available therapies and aid the translation of novel discoveries into clinical practice. By identifying scalable solutions and removing barriers, such as limited access to timely and effective treatment, we aim to make a significant impact on the obesity epidemic.

Current research initiatives

The Nutrition Obesity Research Program also has several research studies under way:

Cellular and Molecular Biology of Fat Storage and Utilization

Principal investigator: Mark A. McNiven, Ph.D.

This project focuses on adipocytes, myocytes and hepatocytes. The goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which these three organ types regulate their lipid stores and how cellular cascades and molecules regulate fat formation and use.

Combining New Understanding With Novel Therapies

Principal investigator: Mark A. McNiven, Ph.D.

This project is intended to provide basic information and understanding to support and drive treatment translation, application and innovation. The project's goals are to define energy use by cells, identify the type of fat that is stored versus used, and identify genetic predisposition to weight gain. Other goals are to clarify mitochondrial action that favors fat storage versus use, understand cellular pathways related to insulin receptor action and energy storage, and determine the role of the immune system in regulating fat metabolism and tissue inflammation. This project is being done in conjunction with the Center for Individualized Medicine.

Metabolic and Mitochondrial Reprogramming in Obesity

Principal investigator: Eduardo N. Chini, M.D., Ph.D.

One of the characteristics of energy dysregulation that occurs in obesity is the dysfunction of mitochondrial and metabolic pathways, which are both causes and consequences of excess caloric intake. This project is investigating how to rewire cellular and mitochondrial metabolism to its original, optimal state. Specifically, the project is defining target metabolic reprogramming via NAD metabolism and investigating mechanisms that increase mitochondrial function in obesity and promote the browning of white fat. White fat stores calories, and brown fat burns calories. This project also is delineating the role of mitochondrial transfer between cells during the development of obesity.

Multi-omics Analysis of Obesity

Principal investigators: Shulan Tian, Ph.D., M.S., and Rory J. Olson, Ph.D.

Multi-omics involves the use of integrated data gathered from discoveries across multiple perspectives of biology to identify novel solutions to treat obesity. These include the interaction of genes and the environment (epigenomics), the study of chemical processes that involve metabolites (metabolomics), and the study of genetic material (genomics).

Strategically positioned at the intersection of research and practice, the Omics Data Platform is a tool that's not like any other in the world. It's designed to leverage the collective knowledge of Mayo Clinic discovery and translational science, therapeutic innovation, and the care model to drive precision in diagnostics and therapeutics every day for everyone. The Omics Data Platform is the knowledge engine used to drive diagnostic precision and personalize obesity treatment.

Microbiome as a Contributor to Pathogenesis and Treatment Outcomes in Obesity

Principal investigator: Purna C. Kashyap, M.B.B.S.

The interplay of genetics, gut microbiome, diet and environment results in physiological changes that contribute to obesity. These complex mechanisms pose a major challenge in tackling obesity. This project aims to identify microbiome-driven mechanisms underlying obesity. It also aims to describe the relative contribution of the microbiome to differences in susceptibility, presentation and treatment response. This information may help advance artificial intelligence-based diagnostic and prognostic tools and identify potential targets to develop novel therapeutics for obesity.

Gastrointestinal Motor and Sensory Function

Principal investigator: Michael Camilleri, M.D., D.Sc.

Energy intake and expenditure are regulated by the complex interactions among the environment and neural and hormonal mechanisms that modulate pleasant and unpleasant sensations and homeostatic physiological pathways. The goal of this project is to establish and validate quantitative measurements of food intake and appetite that will work seamlessly with other projects exploring calorie intake and expenditure.

Obesity and Mental Health

Principal investigator: Joanna M. Biernacka, Ph.D.

People with mood disorders have an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity. This project is investigating the neurobiology linking mood disorders and obesity. It seeks to identify specific obesity risk factors in people with mood disorders to address unmet needs and contribute to the broader understanding of neurobiological aspects of obesity. The project also seeks to advance understanding of interactions related to medicine, genetics and the environment that may contribute to obesity in people with mood disorders and to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.

Obesity and Women's Health

Principal investigator: Daniela D. Hurtado Andrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Because of the ovarian hormone effect, weight management during the menopausal transition can be particularly challenging. This study aims to characterize and compare pathophysiological traits associated with obesity before and one year after bilateral oophorectomy. This study is being conducted in women younger than 46 years old who are treated with either a standard dose of estradiol, which is a 100-micogram or lower transdermal patch or equivalent oral dose, or with a titrated estradiol dose to achieve average premenopausal levels, or who are not being treated with hormone replacement therapy.