Metabolic functional (epi)genomics and molecular mechanisms involved in type 2 diabetes and related diseases

The unit’s research objectives are to identify new genes implicated in diabetes and obesity, and to better diagnose forms of diabetes and obesity of genetic origin which thus allows personalised medicine according to genetic sub-type. All projects also have as an objective to better stratify genetic and environmental risk factors, and the primary genetic causes, of metabolic diseases at different ages in life. Different “multi-omic” approaches were taken by means of our genomic platform which is unique in France (high-speed DNA and RNA sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomic analysis by DNA chips, digital molecular counting using NanoString technology). Opening the LIGAN-PM platform to outside teams makes it possible to initiate collaborative research projects on other genetic diseases such as intellectual deficiencies associated, or not, with obesity, Crohn’s disease, breast and ovarian cancers (using exome sequencing).

The unit is a partner to several EU-H2020 Innovative Medicines Initiative programmes : IMIDIA (Improving beta-cell function and identification of diagnostic biomarkers for treatment monitoring in Diabetes), DIRECT (Diabetes research on patient stratification) and RHAPSODY (Risk assessment and progression of diabetes); as well as at the Research University Hospital (RHU). PreciNASH (PIA- ANR, coordinated by François Patou, UMR1190).

In these projects, our teams have a key role in producing and analysing (epi)genomic, transcriptomic data, or derivative microbiomes, starting with large European cohorts of diabetic and/or obese patients and control populations (including human samples selected from pancreatic, hepatic, or muscular tissues). The environment’s epigenetic effects (which modify genetic activity) on the metabolism and hepatic and renal complications of diabetes are studied, consequently epigenetic variations in pre-diabetic conditions such as gestational or premature diabetes (EPx-GDM and EPIPRETERM projects).

Thanks to the UMR8199’s organisation, which is divided up between two teams, new pathways can be identified leading to metabolic diseases, after which cellular or animal models can be established in order to conduct in-depth studies leading to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Beyond that, the goal of the European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID) is to offer optimal conditions for translational research on diabetes to truly ameliorate treatment of diabetics and their life.