Diet and gene interactions that influence cellular energy metabolism
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
Diet and gene interactions are emerging as key in determining the role of certain diets in maintaining health and reducing the risk of developing disease. Such diets include those that are rich in cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, which have been associated with a reduction in risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. We have recently identified an important gene that interacts with broccoli-rich diets to change the metabolic profiles in plasma of healthy volunteers. This has implications for understanding the beneficial effects of diets in preventing chronic diseases and together with other genetic polymorphisms could explain some of the heterogeneity seen in response to diet. This project will use the latest genome editing tools to engineer novel cell lines with diverse genotypes and will use them to comprehensively study their role in energy and lipid metabolism. There will be opportunities to study the effect of the environment on central metabolism and also undertake detailed mechanistic studies on the metabolic effects of selected dietary phytochemicals. The student will benefit from working as part of a vibrant research team on food and health with strong interactions across the Norwich Research Park.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Maria Traka (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Sophie Prosolek (Student) |
Publications
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1653477 | Studentship | BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2015 | 22/10/2020 | Sophie Prosolek |
| Description | There is significant evidence to associate a broccoli-rich diet with a reduced incidence of disease, with clinical trials showing that broccoli consumption can reduce cholesterol levels and rebalance metabolism. These beneficial effects have largely been attributed to a compound called sulforaphane which is derived from the glucosinolates in broccoli, however very few studies report upon, or consider, the potential bioactivity of other broccoli-derived bioactives such as S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO). We have reported upon the bioactivity of SMCSO and its metabolites S-methyl methanethiosulphinate (MMTSI) and S-methyl methanethiosulphonate (MMTSO) in both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Using RNA sequencing technology, we have characterised the effect of SMCSO and its metabolite MMTSO on cultured cells, revealing a cell-line specific, and glucose dependant effect. In addition, we have explored the capacity of MMTSO and MMTSI to alter energy metabolism. Our data suggests that SMCSO-derived metabolites offer a significant yet uncharacterised contribution to broccoli-associated health benefits, and further contributes scientific understanding of broccoli diet and health. |
| Exploitation Route | My findings will form the basis of future research and contribute to scientific understanding of the relationship between a broccoli diet and metabolic health. By providing some of the first insights into the biological effect of SMCSO metabolites in human cells, we will offer a new perspective to existing literature surrounding the association of a broccoli diet with metabolic health. Carrying this forward, our data will inform clinical interventions (in progress) undertaken by researchers within our Institute Strategic Programme, investigating the effect of a broccoli diet on blood glucose control. Our data will also inform future in vitro analyses expanding on clinical intervention data. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | The findings from this study contribute to the broader understanding of broccoli diet and health, providing insights into the potential health-promoting properties of functional foods |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Description | Diet and Gene Interactions in the Control of Central Cell Metabolism - Labroots (Gibco, Thermofisher) Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I developed and presented a 'Cell Culture Heros' webinar for Gibco, Thermofisher in which I discussed the principles of my project and the work conducted in our group with a focus on cell culture methods |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.thermofisher.com/uk/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/cell-culture-heroes/sop... |
| Description | Guest Lecture in Science Communication at the University of East Anglia |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I delivered a guest lecture on the UEA undergraduate Science Communication module. The lecture focused on my experience as founding president of the UEA Science Communication society, and how to engage in student led public engagement activities to enhance one's CV whilst still in full-time education. I also discussed the benefits of science communication skills for an early stage research career. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | National radio broadcast on the BBC Georgey Tonight show on behalf of Pint of Science Norwich |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | I appeared as an interviewee live on the BBC Georgey Tonight show, reporting from the Pint of Science Norwich Festival as the city coordinator. During the interview I explained the importance of science in society, the value and the quality of Norwich-based scientific research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Norwich Science Festival - 'Bioactive Smell-Test' Childrens' Activity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I helped develop and run the 'Bioactive Smell-Test' activity on behalf of the Quadram Institute at the Norwich Science Festival. The activity was aimed at junior school children, but was also suitable for both older and younger audiences with a little adaptation. The aim of the activity was to demonstrate that different 'healthy foods' have strong smells, which represent some of the 'healthy chemicals' within them, such as polyphenols and isothiocyanates. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | PIPs Internship - Pint of Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As supplement to my doctoral studies I conducted a 3 month internship with The MADE Agency, a digital marketing agency supplying branding, print and digital design services, social media and marketing support to a varied clientele in higher education, research and healthcare disciplines. During my time at MADE I worked to develop and execute a successful communications strategy on behalf of the 'Pint of Science' educational outreach festival. I acquired a number of transferrable skills during my time in the MADE studio, gaining experience using Adobe Creative Cloud software such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop for the production of advertising material. I also had the opportunity to work with various media outlets such as BBC Look East (regional TV), BBC Norfolk (regional radio) and Future (local radio). I am familiar with pitching to both visual and audio media channels and have appeared on behalf of Pint of Science on both live and pre-recorded radio. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Pint of Science Festivak of Public Engagement City Coordinator |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As Pint of Science City Coordinator, I was responsible for recruiting volunteers, managing event planning and organisation, securing funding, publicity and advertising of science-themed events. Over the course of my time as coordinator, I reached over 3000 paying general public attendees through a cohort of approximately 150 volunteers. The objective of the Pint of Science festival is to bring the latest scientific research into pubs and bars, to build public trust in science and allow attendees to ask questions of real-life scientists. The festival sparks questions, debate and occasionally connects researchers who go on to discuss collaboration, as well as developing their soft-skills in management teamwork and communication |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
| Description | School Visit (Heathersett Junior School) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I helped design an outreach activity aimed at junior school children (age 6-8 years) about digestion and the health giving properties of superfoods. The activity, alongside a short presentation of explanatory slides, was delivered to two classes of approximately 25 children who were welcomed at ask questions afterward. The children were asked to report upon how their enjoyment of the session and were each asked to provide one new thing that they had learned at the end of each session. The feedback from the children was overwhelmingly positive |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Science in the Media: Radio and podcasting workshop for scientists |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I delivered a practical workshop based around radio and podcast production aimed at working scientists. The aim of the workshop was to share the skills needed to start podcasting science-themed content in an informative and balanced journalistic manner |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | UEA Year 10 Summer School science lessons & protein workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Alongside one of my PhD colleagues, I designed and prepared a day of lessons and activities for the University of East Anglia outreach team, for their Year 10 Science Summer School. The day's lessons included - an introduction to proteins and enzymes - proteins and enzymes in the body |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |