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Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics

The aim of this research strand is to establish a research core in, nutrient/gene interactions through continuous training and research activities. Research is being led by Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis.

The Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics research cluster has many achievements to date:

  • Development of a gene expression station within the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science that includes the following:
    • DNA extraction and purification from saliva samples
    • DNA quantification and quality control (NanoDrop)
    • Setting up a conventional Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify genes of interest
    • Separation of amplified genes using agarose gel electrophoresis
    • Visualisation of the gene product under UV light and relative quantification using dedicated software
    • Setting-up a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction station, allowing absolute quantification of gene expression and identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • Two successful PhD proposals in the area of nutrient/gene interactions (Leta Pilic and Catherine Graham).
  • Initial research collaboration links with Prof Pedro González Muniesa, University of Navarra, Spain in the field of personalised nutrition.

Membership

PhD students

All research degree students at St Mary’s are part of the Doctoral College. 

Selected publications

  • Tsikritzi R, Wang J, Collins VJ, Allen VJ, Mavrommatis Y, Moynihan PJ, Gosney MA, Kennedy OB, Methven L (2015). The Effect of Nutrient Fortification of Sauces on Product Stability, Sensory Properties and Subsequent Liking by Older Adults. Food Science 80 (5): S1100-S1110. 
  • Mavrommatis Y, Moynihan P, Gosney M & Methven L (2011). Hospital catering systems and their impact on the sensorial profile of foods provided to older patients in the UK. Appetite, 57(1):14-20. 
  • Mavrommatis Y, Ross K, Rucklidge G, Reid M, Duncan G, Gordon MJ, Thies F, Sneddon A & de Roos B (2009). Intervention with fish oil, but not with docosahexaenoic acid, results in lower levels of hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase with time in apoE-knockout mice. British Journal of Nutrition, 103(1):16-24. 
  • De Roos B, Mavrommatis, Y & Brouwer IA (2009). Omega-3 fatty acids - novel insights into cellular mechanisms. British Journal of Pharmacology, 158(2):413-28. 
  • Duthie SJ, Mavrommatis Y, Rucklidge G, Reid M, Duncan G, Moyer MP, Bestwick CS, Pirie LP (2008). The response of human colonocytes to folate deficiency in vitro: functional and proteomic analyses. Journal of Proteome Research, 7(8): 3254–3266. 
  • Mavrommatis Y, Thies F, Ross K, Gordon MJ, McLeod E, Sneddon A, Rucklidge G, Reid M, Duncan G, Mayer C, Horgan G, Arthur J & de Roos B (2007). The effects of fish oil and DHA on soluble epoxide hydrolase in apoE (-/-) mice. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 66: 579-584.