Karen L. Mohlke, Ph.D.

Research

We are identifying genetic variants that influence common human traits with complex inheritance patterns, and we seek to understand the biological function of the identified variants. Currently we are investigating susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as variation in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body size, weight gain and early growth. In addition to examining the primary effects of genes, the lab is exploring the interaction of genes with environmental risk factors in disease pathogenesis. Approaches include genome-wide association studies, genetic epidemiology, resequencing, bioinformatic analysis, molecular biology, cell biology, and mouse models to compare high- and low-risk alleles in a whole-animal setting.