Insulin Sensitivity
PPARG: Involved in adipocyte differentiation and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism.
TCF7L2: Influences blood glucose homeostasis – both insulin secretion and resistance.
SLC2A2: Facilitates glucose induced insulin secretion.
FTO: Influences susceptibility to obesity and risk for type 2 diabetes.
IRS1: Involved in transmission of insulin-based signals.
Methylation
MTHFD1: Influences the effectiveness of the folate-dependent methylation pathway.
MTHFR: Directs folate from the diet either to DNA synthesis or homocysteine remethylation.
MTR: Catalyses the re-methylation of homocysteine to methionine.
MTRR: Catalyses methylcobalamin, which is essential for maintaining adequate intracellular pools of methionine.
CBS: Removal of homocysteine from the methionine cycle.
COMT: Catalyses the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to catecholamines.
Phase I Detoxification
CYP1A1: Converts environmental pro-carcinogens into reactive intermediates that have carcinogenic effects.
Phase I Detoxification - Caffeine
CYP1A2: Responsible for the demethylation of caffeine.
Phase II Detoxification
GSTM1 & GSTP1: Responsible for the removal of xenobiotics, carcinogens, and products of oxidative stress.
GSTT1: Catalyses the conjugation of reduced glutathione.
NQO1: Detoxification of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic quinones derived from tobacco smoke, diet and oestrogen metabolism.
Antioxidant Enzymes
eNOS: Influences vascular tone and peripheral vascular resistance.
MnSOD/SOD2: Vital antioxidant activity within the cell, especially within the mitochondria.
GPx: Important selenium-dependant antioxidant enzymes.
CAT: Responsible for the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.
Inflammation
CRP: Rises in response to inflammation in the body.
IL-1A, IL-1B & IL-1RN: Important leverage points in the inflammatory cascade.
IL-6 & IL-6R: Plays crucial roles in inflammation by regulating the expression of C reactive protein (CRP).
TNFA: Crucial proinflammatory cytokine.
Vitamin D metabolism & Bone Health
VDR: Profound influence on bone density.
CYP2R1: Involved in the conversion of vitamin D to 25(OH)D (calcidiol).
GC: Encodes for the vitamin D binding protein.
Vitamin A Metabolism
BC01: Catalysing carotenoids to retinal (vitamin A).
Vitamin B12 Transport
FUT2: Vitamin B12 absorption and transport.
Lactose Intolerance
MCM6: Associated with lactase persistence and adult hypolactasia.
Gluten Intolerance
HLA DQ2/DQ8: Major genetic predisposition for coeliac disease.
Alcohol Metabolism
ALDH2: Detoxification of toxic, carcinogenic aldehydes to acetate.
Iron Overload
HFE: Major genetic predisposition for hemochromatosis.
Fat Absorption & Metabolism
ADIPOQ: Regulates energy homeostasis and glucose tolerance thus promoting lipid oxidation in the muscle and liver.
APOA2 & APOA5: Plays a complex role in lipoprotein metabolism, insulin resistance, obesity and atherosclerosis susceptibility.
FABP2: Influences fat absorption and metabolism.
PLIN: Influences diet-induced obesity.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism
FADS1: Key enzyme in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism.
Energy Homeostasis
UCP1, UCP2 & UCP3: Involved in oxidative metabolism and energy production.
Epinephrine Receptors - Energy Mobilisation
ADRB2: Associated with blood vessel growth.
ADBR3: Involved in the regulation of lipolysis that influences metabolism.
Dopamine Receptor
DRD2: Important role in both addiction and normal eating behaviour.
Taste Sensitivity
TAS1R2 & TAS2R38: Contribute to inter-individual variations in sugar consumption and bitter sensitivity.
Snacking & Satiety
MCR4: A strong obesity candidate gene.
Circadian Rhythms
CLOCK: Effect on circadian rhythms and sleep duration.
Blood Flow & Respiration
AGT & ACE: Part of the renin-angiotensin system and response to salt.
BDKRB2: Influences the cross-talk between the renin-angiotensin and the kinin-kallikrein systems.
VEGF: Affects peripheral circulation and capillary blood flow.
Energy During Exercise
NRF-2: Improves respiratory capacity and increases ATP production.
PPARGC1A: Mediation of the initial phase of exercise and increasing mitochondrial biogenesis.
PPARA: Associated with lipid and glucose metabolism.
Fuel During Exercise
TRHR: Stimulates the release of TSH.
Musculoskeletal Properties
ACTN3: Influences the function of fast-twitch muscle fibres.
Muscle Cramping Susceptibility
AMPD1: Muscle fatigue, weakness and cramping.
Collagen Production
COL1A1 & COL5A1: Found in tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
GDF5: Development and healing of the skeletal system and soft tissues.