Obesity and the Digestive System
Lisa J. Martin, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics; Division of Human Genetics
Description of Research
Dr. Martin is a nationally recognized genetic epidemiologist specializing in complex traits. She has over ten years of experience in complex trait genetics and received the James Neel Young Investigator Award from the International Genetic Epidemiology Society. Dr. Martin has published 70 peer-reviewed articles to date, including papers in Nature Genetics and PNAS. A major focus of her genetic epidemiologic research is the genetics of obesity and obesity related co-morbidities in children. In the past two decades the prevalence of obesity in children has increased such that it now has reached epidemic proportions. The genetics of obesity are ideally studied in adolescents. Being obese in adolescence, obesity carries a 17- to 22-fold increased risk of obesity in adulthood supporting the generalizability of findings to adults. Thus, Dr. Martin uses cohorts of adolescents to better understand the underlying genetics involved in obesity and obesity related co-morbidities.
Collaborations and Core Use
Dr. Martin collaborates with Dr. Woo investigating genetic susceptibility of obesity. Additionally, works with Dr. Morrow determining if adiponectin found in human milk is associated with infant growth, and with Drs. Hershey and Rothenberg investigating the genetics of eosinophilic esophagitis. Anticipated Core use: Biostatistical service.
