Welcome to

Retreat 2010

Center of Biomedical Research Excellence inIntegrated Nutrition and Metabolic Processes

Introduction to

The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in

Integrated Nutrition and Metabolic Processes

Concetta C. DiRusso, Ph.D.Department of Nutrition and Health Science

Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln

Why has food been villanized?

“Our menu is divided into three sections: Cancer causing foods, artery clogging foods,

and foods that are being boycotted for political reasons.”

Why has fat been villanized?

(*BMI 30)

Hispanic

State-specific Prevalence of Obesity* Among U.S. Adults, by Race/Ethnicity, 2006-2008

White non-Hispanic

Black non-Hispanic

NAFLD, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Health Consequences of Obesity

* Coronary heart disease and Stroke

* Type 2 diabetes

* Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

* Hypertension

* Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol or triglycerides)

* Liver and Gallbladder disease

* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

* Osteoarthritis

* Immune dysfunction

?

?

Genetics

Nutrition

Activity

Behavior

Economics

Adipose tissue doesn't respond to insulinSends out toxic compounds:

High levels of fatty acidsSignals of inflammation, “Adipokines”

1Obesity

5Atherosclerosis

Muscle

Muscle doesn't respond to insulinBurns fatty acids but also stores fat Blood glucose levels rise

2

Pancreas

Pancreas tries to make more insulin but is confused by both high glucose and high free fatty acids in blood. Cells begin to die from toxic fat and “adipokines”

4Liver responds to high blood glucose levels

Makes more fatMakes more cholesterolStops clearing cholesterolMakes blood clotting factors

3Liver

*

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and implications. Stickel and Hellerbrand Online version Gut 2010;59:1303-1307

Cancer

The “thrifty genotype” hypothesis

According to the "thrifty genotype" hypothesis, the same genes that helped our ancestors survive occasional famines are now being challenged by environments in which food is plentiful year round.

Genetics

Yourka, et al PNAS October 19, 2010 vol. 107 pp. 18226-18231

Normal Weight Obese

Gastric Bypass

Observed shifts in gut microbial populations with obesity

and also….Tame your gut microbial community

Biomedical research

Metabolic engineering, production

and marketing of food

Education, behavioral

science, epidemiology

Improved health

outcomes and quality

of life

A New Paradigm for Nutrition-related Disease Research

Integrate Collaborate Translate

“Strengthening and diversifying the pool of researchers who are dedicated to understanding and ameliorating obesity and its many adverse outcomes is a priority for NIH.

This commitment includes attracting and training a cadre of researchers with a wide range of knowledge and skills, such as expertise in the basic, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences...”

NIH Obesity Research Task Forcestrategic plan:

[1] Expand the biomedical infrastructure to link research on nutrition, biofortification of foods, and healthy eating practices;

[2] Increase the research profile

[3] Build research infrastructure

[4] Mentor talented young faculty to become prominent members of the scientific community

The objectives of the CINMP for NU

Acquisition of independent NIH or other major federal funding

Publication of manuscripts in prominent peer-reviewed journals

Active participation in professional societies

Service on peer-review panels and editorial boards

Speaking at national and international scientific conferences

Mentoring students and post-doctoral fellows

The objective of mentoring is to guide success in tenure track faculty line particularly in research

Support within the CINMP

[1] Strong mentorship team composed of internationally recognized NU faculty led by a dedicated director

[2] External advisory board made up of outstanding leaders in the fields of biomedical, nutrition, and behavioral research

[3] Robust institutional commitment and support

“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” Thomas Jefferson

Gut microbiology and immunology

Hepatic and gastrointestinal metabolism and metabolic regulation

Biofortification of foods through breeding and genetic engineering

Population based interventions in nutritional practices

CINMP Phase I Focus Areas

Possible CINMP Phase II Focus Area Expansion

Nutrient-to-Neuronal signaling and regulation [gut-hypothalamic axis]

Dietary influences on cardiovascular fitness and performance

Genetics/epigenetics of obesity and comorbidities

microRNAs in regulation of nutrient-dependent gene expression

Nutritional enhancement for improved digestion and absorption

Population based interventions in nutritional practices

Formulating a Budget

Total budget cannot exceed $1.5 Million per year for 5 years

Core facilities [Computational and Translational]

Administrative core

Projects

Mentor Stipends

External Advisory Board Members travel and honorarium

Symposia, website, outreach

Seed Grants

We are here!

Vice Chancellor for Research,

Prem Paul

CINMP Director, Concetta DiRusso

Terry T-K Huang,

Co-investigator

Edgar Cahoon, Co-investigator

Melanie Simpson

Andrew Benson

Paul N. Black

Jennifer Larsen

Thomas Clemente

External Advisory

Board

Mentoring TeamLeadership Team Project Investigators

DeansChairs

Project 1Edward Harris

Project 2Jens Walter

Project 3Daniel Peterson

Project 4Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi

Project 5[Biofortification of food

crops]

CINMP Human Resources

Peterson

Walter

HarrisHire 1

Nsaih-Kumi

Team 1 New Investigators

Immunology

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Metabolism

AgriEngineering

Behavioral Science

ACTION PLAN

ACTION PLAN

CINMP: Broadening and Integrating Its Impact

Innovation Campus

Public Policy

Educ

ation

Extension

Basic Science

Business and

Marketing

Education and

Outreach

Public Private

Partnerships

Translational Research

AFRI CoBRE

REUT32

IGERT

RO1, P01NSF, USDA,

others

Biomedical and

epidemiological research

Plant metabolic

engineering

Education, production

and marketing

Improved health

outcomes

CINMP: Research expansion and longevity of the Center

CINMPUNL/UNMCNational Public Health PolicyGlobal Health

Center’s Ultimate Impact

MOVE EAT FOOD