Recipients

Research has shown that fetal as well as neonatal environmental and psychosocial factors (i.e. nutrition and depression) influence the nature of a person’s epigenome. The epigenome involves modifications of DNA and specific proteins known as histones within the nucleus of the cell. These modifications influence the expression of genes. Most research focuses on how these factors negatively affect a person’s epigenome resulting in chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Over the next two years Senanayake will use his Research Fellowship grant to look at how nutritional improvements during pregnancy will alter the epigenome in a positive way. Senanayake hopes to lower the incidence of negative epigenome factors benefiting both the health care system and individuals affected by these diseases.

Senanayake’s research aligns well with Saskatchewan’s Health Research Strategy by focusing on determinants of health status, including early childhood development and the prevention of underlying causes of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases.

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