Maninder Ahluwalia

My expertise lies in the field of gene expression analysis, transcriptional regulation, bioinformatics, microarray analysis, SNP genotyping and nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics.

The main focus for my research has been to investigate molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory actions of a group of antidiabetic drugs called thiazolidinedione which target a nuclear receptor called PPAR. Since some of the members of this group (e.g. Rosiglitazone) have side effects and have been withdrawn from the market, the search is now on to identify natural bioactive compounds that act as PPAR ligands to interfere with inflammatory status associated with chronic diseases. I am also interested in genetic polymorphisms and genome based personalised dietary recommendations. The ultimate aim of this research is to come up with genome based personalised nutrition for prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.