Epigenetic switch that influences body weight
A Trim28-ERV axis drives phenotypic variation in obesity
This project looks at whether an epigenetic 'on/off' system involving TRIM28 and ancient viral DNA helps explain why some people with the same genes and environment become obese while others do not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158620 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mice with altered Trim28 and laboratory studies of fat cells to see how an epigenetic switch tied to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) changes gene activity and body weight. They will map which ERV sites gain or lose DNA methylation and test how competing proteins (TRIM28/KZFPs versus ZF-CxxC proteins) control nearby genes. The team will compare these molecular patterns to gene expression signals found in people with obesity. The aim is to connect these basic findings to why genetically similar individuals can have very different weight outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with obesity who are willing to donate blood or adipose tissue samples or to participate in future translational follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without obesity or whose weight is clearly explained by known single-gene conditions or purely lifestyle causes may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new epigenetic markers or targets that lead to ways to prevent or treat a subtype of obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies by this team showed Trim28-associated epigenetic obesity and similar gene expression signals in human datasets, but the specific role of variably methylated ERVs is a newer concept with limited direct testing.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pospisilik, John Andrew — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Pospisilik, John Andrew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.