Research Projects

Research Organisation Partners

• University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
• Labena d.o.o.
• National Institute of Chemistry

Abstract

The project aims to investigate the effects of DNA methylation on fat deposition using unique inbred mouse models selected for polygenic obesity and leanness. We will investigate the effects of long-term divergent selection on both genotype and DNA methylation patterns. By integrating data from DNA methylation, gene expression and genotype analyses of the two mouse lines, we will prioritize reliable candidate genes for further functional analysis. For the most promising candidates, we will perform spatial transcriptomics to investigate their expression patterns in specific tissues.

We expect to identify new candidate genes associated with obesity and leanness, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variability. These results will contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of obesity and healthy leanness and to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets.

The phases of the project and their realization

WP1: DNA isolation and quality control

WP2: Initial screening for DMRs using pooled samples

WP3: Secondary screening for DMRs in selected tissues

WP4: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)

WP5: DNMT activity and methylation capacity analysis

WP6: Candidate locus selection

WP7: Validation, functional analyses, and spatial transcriptomics

WP8: Obesity gene database update and additional bioinformatics analyses to identify functional modules associated with fat deposition