Nutrigenomics
Energy balance and metabolic homeostasis are maintained by complex regulatory systems. Changes in nutrient availability and storage can be sensed at the molecular level by the body.
This process of ‘nutrient sensing’ will activate adaptive responses such as altered feeding behaviour, energy expenditure and substrate metabolism. Our group is interested in nutrient-sensing regulatory pathways, in particular those triggered by cell-surface receptors.
Focus
One major line of research deals with the signalling properties of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptors. SCFA are generated by the microbial fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates in the intestine. Besides being used as an energy source, SCFA can signal through several G protein-coupled receptors to elicit a wide range of cellular responses, ranging from gut hormone production (e.g. PYY, GLP-1) to cell senescence and apoptosis.
Our research focuses on the role of SCFA-sensing G protein-coupled receptors in the gastrointestinal tract of non-ruminant (human, pig, dog, cat, rat) and ruminant species (cow). We investigate its signalling properties, its impact on gene transcription and its role in maintaining energy balance and what the intricacies are of processes such as cross-talk.
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dr.ir. J (Jan) Dijkstra
Associate professor
Research themes
Indirect calorimetry
We study energy metabolism using indirect calorimetry. This technique provides unique information, is non-invasive, and is used to investigate nutrient assimilation, thermogenesis, and energetics of physical activity.
Mathematical modelling
Modelling digestive and metabolic processes in animals has a prominent standing within the Animal Nutrition Group. Mathematical modelling is a central and integral part of the scientific method.
Nutrigenomics
We study how energy balance and metabolic homeostasis are maintained by complex regulatory systems at the molecular level. We are interested in nutrient-sensing regulatory pathways, particularly those triggered by cell-surface receptors.
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