Metabolic Programming
Nutritional or metabolic programming describes the mechanism of influencing an offspring´s metabolism through environmental factors impacting on the fetal or newborn organism. Studies in humans and animals evidence that pre- and early postnatal nutrition is critically important for the later metabolic performance. An adverse maternal nutritional supply thus can impact on growth and development of the offspring.
We use ruminants and pigs as model organisms to study the nutritional impact at specific stages of development. The methods we apply include antibody-based assays (ELISA, ChIP) and the analysis of epigenetic modifications of the DNA (BS-Seq).
Master thesis:
Starting as soon as possible, the following master theses are available:
„Effects of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids on embryo elongation – studies in bovine trophectoderm cells“
Omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids are discussed to play a role in bovine fertility, especially in embryo-maternal communication during early embryonic development. In their function as ligands for transcription factors, fatty acids are involved in the regulation of gene expression that can affect various cellular processes potentially important in embryo elongation and development.
The aim of this master thesis is to examine the effect of arachidonic (omega 6), eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (omega 3) on embryo elongation associated gene expression in cultured bovine trophectoderm cells using qPCR. It will be investigated whether these fatty acids potentially promote embryo elongation which is essential for successful establishment of pregnancy in cattle. Therefore, the trophectoderm cell culture (CT-1) has to be established in our lab. Furthermore, incorporation of supplemented fatty acids into the trophectoderm cells will be investigated via GC-MS and cell proliferation will be monitored using the MTT assay.
„Effects of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids on early embryo trophectoderm metabolism – studies in bovine trophectoderm cells“
Omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids are discussed to play a role in bovine fertility, especially in embryo-maternal communication during early embryonic development. In their function as energy substrates as well as ligands for transcription factors, fatty acids can influence cellular metabolism which potentially impacts on embryo development.
The aim of this master thesis is to examine the effect of arachidonic (omega 6), eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (omega 3) on trophectoderm metabolism by cell energy phenotyping. It will be investigated whether these fatty acids affect mitochondrial respiration and glycolytic activity of trophectoderm cells which may impact on trophectoderm growth and thus affect successful establishment of pregnancy in cattle. Therefore, the trophectoderm cell culture (CT-1) has to be established in our lab. Furthermore, metabolism associated gene expression will be investigated via qPCR.
Please contact
Professur für Tierphysiologie
Universitätstrasse 2
8092
Zürich
Switzerland