Obesity-related adipocyte dysfunction can be manifested already
during childhood. Clinically and experimentally, we are examining the
consequences of childhood obesity for the endocrine function of adipose tissue
and the impact on the children’s development. Furthermore, we investigate gene
variants leading to monogenetic obesity.
Growth dynamics in obese children and obesity-related alterations of the
growth hormone axis:
Obese children and adolescents show different dynamics of longitudinal growth
compared to normal-weight peers. Since components of the growth hormone axis
such as Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), the
Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) and Insulin-like Growth
Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) are expressed in subcutaneous
adipose tissue, excess body fat might modify the growth hormone
axis. We are assessing the relevance of IGF-1, GHR and IGFBP-3 produced by
adipose tissue for the serum levels and examine if changes are associated with
alterations in longitudinal growth in normal-weight and obese
children.
Involved scientists: Antje Körner, Kathrin Landgraf, Juraj
Stanik, Elena Kempf, Tim Vogel
Clinical and functional characterization of LEPR variants in patients with
morbid obesity
The leptin - leptin receptor (LEPR) axis is closely
related to the central-nervous regulation of satiety and weight gain. Mutations
in the LEPR gene are a rare cause for monogenic early-childhood obesity. In this
project we aim to analyze the clinical and functional consequences of
LEPR variants, which have not been described so far.
Involved scientists: Antje Körner, Kathrin Landgraf, Robert
Stein, Franziska Voigtmann
Clinical and functional characterization of a FOXD3 promoter variant in the
context of autoimmune diseases.
The Forkhead Box Protein D3 (FOXD3) gene lies within the autoimmunity susceptibility
locus (AISL). This locus has repeatidly been implied as a candidate gene locus
for vitiligo-associated constellations of autoimmune diseases. In this project
we aim to analyze the clinical and functional relevance of a newly-identified
variant of the FOXD3 promoter region in the context of vitiligo and
autoimmune thyroiditis.
Involved scientists: Antje Körner, Dennis Löffler, Jo Ana
Schunter
