Epigenetics and Obesity

The regulation of total body weight or energy is far more complex than a matter of caloric intake versus expenditure. Recent research indicates that factors as diverse as the chemical nature of nutrients and status of the immune system influence the mobilization and fate of ingested, stored and metabolised molecules. At the same time, other lines of research indicate longitudinal, including transgenerational, factors superimpose further influences, as do behavioral and other factors involved in signalling hunger and satiety.

The focus of this Research Topic is the nexus between environmental and genetic factors in determining body weight, with a particular emphasis on factors leading to obesity. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, neurogenic and psychogenic influences on appetite and satiety, immune and inflammatory disposing factors and consequences of obesity, roles played by the enteric microbiota on energy intake and expenditure, comorbidities including diabetes and metabolic syndrome, toxicological factors, circadian and other timing effects and interactions between nutrients and genetic expression. In addition, pre- and post-natal developmental and transgenerational dynamics will be featured.

We welcome manuscripts on areas related to the regulation of appetite/nutrient intake and metabolism/energy expenditure in human and animal studies, performed in vivo and in vitro, that reflect non-voluntary effects on energy storage. Relevant research on population genetics or epidemiology is welcome as are studies on the impact of delayed and transgenerational factors.

This topic has been realized by, and is in collaboration with, Paul Stanley, pre-doctoral student (Griffith University, Australia).