ABSTRACT
Diet plays important roles in human evolution. Genetic adaptation to local diet assisted the global expansion of modern humans and contributed to geographically varying patterns of genetic variations. Identifying genetic variants adaptive to diet not only unravels the history of human evolution but also elucidates the genetic basis of current individual differences in dietary responses and metabolic disease risks. In this talk, I will present a research paradigm that integrates evolutionary genomics, functional genomics, genotype-phenotype association studies, and human clinical studies to identify nutritionally relevant genetic variants. I will present a novel case of genetic adaptation to diet: the recurrent dietary adaptation of FADS (Fatty Acid Desaturases) genes in multiple human populations by modulating the biosynthesis of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. I will elaborate on the geographically and temporally varying adaptive patterns of FADS genes with genomic data from global populations and ancient samples (i.e., ancient DNA). I will further demonstrate the effects of these adaptive genetic variants on gene expression, fatty acid biosynthesis, and cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. My research aims to assist the development of genome-informed Personalized Nutrition, which holds the promise of addressing the current public health burden of metabolic diseases by fulfilling individual nutritional needs. 

About the Ye Lab

Host: Patrick McGrath