We work on a variety of projects related to the genetics of obesity, type-2 diabetes, and related traits/diseases. Lately, we have used genome-wide SNP data along with phenotypic and lifestyle data from large prospective cohorts, such as the UK Biobank, the Framingham Heart Study and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

We are particularly excited by how the links discovered between genotypes and phenotypes can shed light on disease pathogenesis, pleiotropic mechanisms, disease subtypes, heterogeneity across racial/ethnic groups, and gene-by-lifestyle interactions.

Genetics of physical activity

Physical activity is arguably one of the most important modifiable risk factors for many diseases, potentially on par with smoking. We are looking into what genes are associated with the propensity to be physically active using both self-reported and accelerometer-based measures. Using plasma proteomic data measured in 50K UK Biobank participants, we are also using conventional and genetically-informed study designs to understand how physical activity impacts our bodies and our health.

Physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease

In this NIH-NIA funded R01, we are investigating the association of sedentary behaviors with brain health, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, using the UK Biobank and other datasets.

Loneliness and Health

Loneliness potentially plays a causal role in our health. To investigate the evidence for this we are using data from All of Us and other studies along with genetic approaches, and triangulating the evidence across different studies and study designs.

Genetics at the interface of lipid and glycemic traits

In this NIH-NHLBI funded R01, we examined the genetic overlap of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on genes that are positively associated with one but negatively associated with the other.

Genetics of Lipedema

In this Lipedema Foundation funded project we aim to identify genetic susceptibility factors for lipedema.