James Ntambi

The general theme of my research is to understand the genetic regulation of metabolism, adipocyte biology and differentiation.  I am specifically interested in the genetic basis of obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes and how dietary factors, hormones and environmental factors influence these disease states.  In particular, I study the regulation of the mammalian stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes that encode an enzyme involved in biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids.  WE are using these genes as a model to understand nutrient gene interactions.  We have recently genetically engineered mice that are born without the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene-1 and found that these mice resist obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other aspects of the metabolic syndrome.

I am also interested in conducting research on obesity and diabetes and other non-communicable metabolic diseases in developing countries.  I provide advice on how to prevent or delay the progression of metabolic diseases through nutritional interventions.