Biotechnology FOUNDATIONS IN NUTRIGENOMICS All students will receive an ebook, that contains summaries of 40 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.
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
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: 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.
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: 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
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS DR YAEL JOFFE RD PHD In the rapidly-evolving disciplines of Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics, Dr Yael Joffe is acknowledged globally as an expert in the field. From her background as a dietitian, she obtained her PhD in Nutrigenomics from the University of Cape Town, exploring the genetics and nutrition of obesity in South African women. She is highly sought-after as a speaker for conferences and workshops, tailoring her presentations to the needs of clinicians. She has co-authored It s not just your Genes, has published on nutrigenomics in peer-reviewed journals and has been involved in the development and supervision of nutrigenomics courses around the world. Dr Joffe is currently an Adjunct Professor, teaching Nutrigenomics at Rutgers University. Yael is the founder of CTG Education. CHRISTINE HOUGHTON B.SC.(BIOCHEM.), R.NUTR., PHD.CAND. Following many years in private practice as a registered nutritionist, Christine Houghton is currently engaged in doctoral research at the University of Queensland Australia, where her focus is on broccoliderived phytochemicals with significant nutrigenomic potential. She is an accomplished writer and an engaging speaker whose evidence-supported presentations challenge accepted but oftenoutdated paradigms. Her forte lies in taking complex biochemical concepts and translating their essence into concepts relevant to the needs of practising clinicians. She is the author of Switched On Harnessing the Power of Nutrigenomics to Optimise Your Health and a number of peer-reviewed publications.
Biotechnology