Download manuka short course

Biotechnology
MANUKA SHORT COURSE
All students will receive an ebook, that contains summaries of 50 SNPs that commonly
appear in nutrigenetic reports.
MODULE ONE
INTRODUCTION TO NUTRIGENETICS & NUTRIGENOMICS
DR YAEL JOFFE
An Introduction to Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics will define and illustrate (with practical examples) the
difference between nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics and epigenetics. In this module we will also explore
the concept of food responsiveness including examples illustrating how they can be used in clinical
practice. Looking at gene-nutrient interactions for iron, lactose, salt and gluten, caffeine, and fatty acids.
MODULE 1 OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
• Discuss the relationship between genes, chromosomes, and heredity
• Be able to define the terms: chromosome, gene, homozygous, heterozygous, carrier, nucleotide,
allele, and SNP
• Describe how information is encoded within DNA and the process of decoding
• Define epigenetics and the role of DNA methylation
• Understand the relationship between epigenetics and nutrition
• Describe the process of gene expression and its regulation
• Define two mechanisms by which environmental signals affect gene expression
• Define nutritional genomics, nutrigenetics, and nutrigenomics
• Give examples of nutrigenetic diet-gene interactions
• Give examples of nutrigenomic diet-gene interactions
• Describe the relationship between genetic variation and food responsiveness.
• Recognise the value of Nutrigenetic testing when looking at nutrient metabolism such as iron,
lactose, salt and gluten, caffeine, and fatty acids.
INFORMATION INCLUDED ONLY IN THE FULL MANUKA COURSE:
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Search nutrient databases, find peer–reviewed articles and use gene databases
More info on epigenetics and Genomic imprinting
More on evolution of the Lactase gene
Extra informative videos on TASTE, SALT, HFE and iron overload and Fatty acids.
Nutrigenetics of alcohol
Interpret and translate commercial Nutrigenetic tests to clients in this area.
Be able to discover population frequencies for a given SNP.
MODULE TWO
LINKING CELLULAR DEFENCE MECHANISMS TO NUTRIGENOMICS
CHRISTINE HOUGHTON
The key to meaningfully interpreting a nutrigenetic test report is to consider the gene in relation to the
enzyme or other protein for which it codes. The Linking Cellular Defence Mechanisms to Nutrigenomics
module will provide an overview of the biochemical pathway associated with each gene; in this way,
each gene is considered in its biochemical context within the cell.
This module highlights cellular defence mechanisms, including: redox, inflammation, energy, methylation,
and detoxification. For each area we will explore the relevant genes, SNPs and diet-gene interactions. We
will also look at genes and SNPs that impact insulin resistance, the endothelium, and lipid metabolism.
MODULE 2 OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
• Describe the fundamental principles that underpin cellular function, outlining how cellular defense
mechanisms integrate into nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics.
• Discuss the role of micronutrients as enzyme cofactors
• Describe what is meant by upstream and downstream cellular processes and why these are relevant
to the practice of nutrigenomics
• Classify ‘antioxidant’ compounds
• Discuss fundamental redox principles as they apply to human cells
• Discuss the changing paradigm associated with ‘antioxidants’ as they relate to cellular defence
processes
• Identify key SNPs in genes that impact antioxidant function
• Understand the importance of energy as an upstream cellular process, and the role of the
mitochondria
• Discuss the principle of methylation and be able to differentiate its role in epigenetic and nonepigenetic situations
• Describe the three key cycles associated with the methylation process
• Give examples of micronutrients, and their role in methylation
• List genes and SNPs commonly associated with methylation pathways
• Be aware of the controversial and widespread ‘treatment’ of MTHFR gene variants
• Understand the role of inflammation-related transcription factors such as NF-κB
• Discuss the way in which redox status is associated with the process of inflammation
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Identify the key genes and SNPs involved in inflammation
Elucidate the role of detoxification in human health
Describe the processes of Phases 1 and 2 detoxification
Describe the Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Family and its role in phase 1
Explain the metabolism of estrogen through phase 1 and 2 detoxification
Identify the key genes and SNPs involved in detoxification
Explain how environmental factors can affect gene expression
Describe the fundamental principles which underpin the function of the endothelial cell
Explain the formation of an atherosclerotic lesion.
Explain GLUT transporters in association with insulin-dependent and insulin-independent transport
Describe the biochemical consequences of sudden sharp increases in blood glucose
List genes and SNPs commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type
2 diabetes
Understand why homocysteine contributes to cardiovascular disease
Name foods and/or their bioactives, which have clinically demonstrated the ability to modulate the
expression of particular genes
Explain why folic acid fortification of food is a controversial topic
Describe the development of cancer in relation to instability of the genome
List the key micronutrients known to be required for genome stability
Explain how ethnicity can be relevant to the interpretation of the SNPs you are reviewing
MODULE THREE
THE GENETICS OF WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND OBESITY
DR YAEL JOFFE
Module three will explore Weight Management. Understanding the contribution of genetics to the
susceptibility of becoming obese, and why individuals respond differently to weight management
interventions. It will identify the many factors that contribute to obesity such as sleep, behaviour,
appetite and satiety, thermogenesis and exercise responsiveness, and the diet-gene interactions that
will impact these processes.
MODULE 3 OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
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Understand the concept of heritability and how to explain and interpret it.
Differentiate between monogenic and polygenic obesity.
Identify the many factors that contribute to the genetics of obesity and weight management.
Explore genes and SNPs in the areas of cell regulation, metabolism and adipogenesis, thermogenic
processes, cytokines, adipokines and proteins, food intake, satiety and hunger.
• Provide background reading on the genes and SNPs involved in the genetics of obesity and weight
management.
EXTRA INFORMATION ONLY INCLUDED IN THE FULL MANUKA COURSE:
• Read peer-reviewed articles employing a variety of study designs in genetic obesity
research.
• Research basics on Twin studies, Knock out mouse, Linkage analysis, Candidate
association and GWAS (Genome Wide Association Studies)
• Detailed info on Genetic Risk Scoring – used in the development of a number of commercial
weight management Nutrigenetic tests.
MODULE FOUR
CLINICAL IMPLEMENTATION
DR YAEL JOFFE
Module four addresses Clinical Implementation. Understanding the importance of the ethical, legal, and
social aspects of Nutrigenetic testing. Students will be provided with criteria to evaluate individual gene
variants for clinical usefulness. The second part of this module will teach the clinical implementation
tools of the 6-Step Approach and 3-3-3. In addition to the theory, 3-3-3 case studies will be used to
enable practitioners to become familiar with using this tool in their practice. Additional case study snap
shots are also provided.
MODULE 4 OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
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Understand the relationship between nutrigenetics and personalised nutrition
Assess commercial nutrigenetic companies
Use scientific and clinical validity as criteria for evaluating nutrigenetic tests
Assess commercial nutrigenetic companies, their tests, and the recommendations provided
Engage with genetic testing companies to ensure ethical responsibility
Communicate to their clients the concept of privacy and informed consent
Use the 6-Step approach to integrate nutrigenetics into clinical practice
Use the 3-3-3 model to help interpret nutrigenetic reports and prepare clinically useful interventions
for their patients
EXTRA INFORMATION ONLY INCLUDED IN THE FULL MANUKA COURSE:
• Extra articles, videos, TED Talks and more
• A closer look at ‘Personalised Nutrition’
• Understand the concepts of cost-benefit analysis, precautionary principle and autonomy
in ethics
• Additional detailed case study
Biotechnology