EXGENESIS is a 5 years project (finishing in December 2009), which aim to identify the genes and signalling pathways involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on insulin resistance, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. It brings novel and original discoveries in animal models, cell biology and human physiology resulting from physical activity (or lack of). Studies within the EXGENESIS consortium also suggest that epigenetic changes, i.e. changes in DNA structure that are acquired after conception due to environmental factors, may also influence susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The focus will be on several multidisciplinary approaches: structure/function studies of proteins involved in signalling pathways during exercise; molecular approaches in animal models; exercise studies with human volunteers; epidemiological, genetic and exercise intervention studies on large population.

The project involves 27 partners from 13 countries Italy, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium and The Netherlands EC contribution: €3 million

http://www.dundee.ac.uk/lifesciences/exgenesis/