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Insights from Genetics, Epigenetics, and Microbiome Research in Obesity: Integrative Approaches to Understand Metabolic Disorders

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioinformatics and Systems Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 1188

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Interests: statistical methodologies; genomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The obesity epidemic poses a significant global health challenge, impacting numerous aspects of metabolic health and quality of life. While traditional approaches have emphasized lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, recent research has increasingly highlighted the intricate roles of genetics, epigenetics, and the microbiome in shaping obesity risk and progression. However, research in these areas presents significant challenges. The complexity of genetic influence, the dynamic nature of epigenetic modifications, and the highly variable composition of the microbiome all make it difficult to establish clear causal relationships and develop effective interventions. Additionally, integrating data from these diverse fields requires sophisticated computational tools and large, well-designed studies. Despite these challenges, by focusing on the critical areas of genetics, epigenetics, and the microbiome, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of the complex nature of obesity and contribute to the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Research applying the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence concepts is highly encouraged.

Dr. Shengping Yang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • epigenetics
  • microbiom
  • genetics
  • bioinformatics

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
Association of Nrf2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs35652124 and FABP4 Levels with Peripheral Artery Disease Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pakistani Population
by Iqra Ayaz, Nakhshab Choudhry, Amna Ihsan, Tehreem Zubair, Aamir Jamal Gondal and Nighat Yasmin
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070530 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a macrovascular diabetic complication, characterized by atherosclerotic plaque formation due to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The molecular mechanisms involved in PAD-T2DM pathogenesis will help in understanding and early prognosis; therefore, we aim to evaluate FABP4 levels and Nrf2 single-nucleotide [...] Read more.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a macrovascular diabetic complication, characterized by atherosclerotic plaque formation due to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The molecular mechanisms involved in PAD-T2DM pathogenesis will help in understanding and early prognosis; therefore, we aim to evaluate FABP4 levels and Nrf2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among PAD-T2DM patients. In a case-control study, 123 samples (healthy control HC, T2DM, and PAD-T2DM; n = 41 each) were collected from the diabetic foot clinic at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Baseline and biochemical data were collected. PAD diagnosis was established by measuring the ankle-brachial index with color Doppler ultrasound. Serum FABP4 levels were measured using an ELISA. Nrf2 SNP rs35652124 analysis was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. PAD-T2DM prevalence was higher among male subjects (61.1%). Fasting plasma glucose levels (p = 0.02), total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in PAD-T2DM as compared to T2DM. SNP association analysis showed that homozygous genotype TT (OR: 3.85, 95% (CI): 1.22–12.11, p = 0.02) and T-allele (OR: 1.31, 95% (CI): 1.31–4.67, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with PAD-T2DM. FABP4 levels were higher in the PAD-T2DM group as compared to T2DM (p < 0.0001) and were significantly associated with Nrf2 SNP genotype TT (p < 0.001) and CT (p = 0.01) in PAD-T2DM. Our results showed, for the first time, that the Nrf2 SNP is significantly associated with PAD-T2DM and FABP4 levels compared to T2DM. Full article

Review

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17 pages, 6230 KiB  
Review
Gut–Adipose Tissue Axis and Metabolic Health
by Sanja Borozan, Cornelius J. Fernandez, Adnan Samee and Joseph M. Pappachan
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060424 - 6 Jun 2025
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Abstract
The gut–adipose tissue axis plays a crucial role in metabolic health. It is a two-way communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue. This axis influences physiological processes vital for maintaining metabolic health, including energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Emerging research [...] Read more.
The gut–adipose tissue axis plays a crucial role in metabolic health. It is a two-way communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue. This axis influences physiological processes vital for maintaining metabolic health, including energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiota, composed of trillions of microorganisms residing in the intestines, significantly impacts this axis by modulating host metabolism. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Innovative therapeutic strategies and dietary interventions aimed at modulating the gut–adipose tissue axis have shown encouraging results in improving metabolic health. A deeper critical understanding of the gut–adipose tissue axis is, therefore, essential in understanding the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders so that targeted interventions can be developed to prevent and treat these metabolic disorders. This article highlights the need for integrative approaches that consider both gastrointestinal and adipose functions in metabolic health management. Full article
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