Genetics and Behavioral Medicine

Neurocognitive markers of cognitive decline

This study is designed to examine genetic and MRI predictors of cognitive decline.

Principal Investigators: Jeanne McCaffery, PhD (Subcontract) and Robert Paul, PhD (Project PI)  

Funding Agency:  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Dates: 2007 - 2012

Gene x Behavioral Interaction in the Look AHEAD Study

Obesity is a major public health problem, with millions of Americans suffering from weight-related health complications, including Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. Behavioral weight loss intervention has emerged as a key strategy in combating obesity and the associated health consequences. However, individuals differ in their degree of success in these programs and genetic factors are known to play a role. We propose to identify specific genes that predict individual differences in weight loss in response to behavioral intervention to help identify individuals who struggle with weight loss despite behavioral efforts. Genotype data from the IBC chip, including over 4,000 markers within genes previously associated with obesity, will allow us to test our central hypothesis that genes that predispose to obesity interact with lifestyle treatment to influence weight loss following intensive lifestyle intervention.

Principal Investigators: Rena Wing, PhD; Jeanne McCaffery, PhD

Funding Agency:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Dates:   2009-2013