About our research group/lab
Our research
Connecting gonadal function and metabolism
The reproductive system is tightly coupled with energy balance, and abnormalities can lead to pathophysiological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our research aims at unraveling the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the reciprocal interactions between gonadal and metabolic function. Our studies focus on the effects of sex steroid hormones and the gonadal growth factor anti-Müllerian hormone in humans and animal models. Studies are performed at genetic, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels.
Hormonal regulation of adipose tissue
Adipose tissue plays a critical role in the development of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases. Studies have shown that there are sex differences in the susceptibility to develop obesity. Our research aims to gain insight in the sex-dependent regulation of white and brown adipose tissue function. Our studies focus on the roles of various hormones using in vitro models, animals models, and humans.
The role of ghrelin and unacylated ghrelin in metabolic diseases
Ghrelin is an acylated gut-derived peptide hormone that, among other functions, regulates growth hormone secretion, increases appetite and suppresses insulin sensitivity. Our group has shown that the unacylated form of ghrelin (UAG) occurs at similar circulating levels as ghrelin, and opposes many of its effects. However, the mechanism of action of UAG is unknown. Our studies aim to determine if UAG is a potential target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and to elucidate its cellular mechanism of action. Studies are performed using physiological, cellular and molecular approaches.
Genetics of obesity
Obesity is a complex disorder not only influenced by the environment but also genetics. In our Obesity Center CGG (Centrum Gezond Gewicht), patients with underlying genetics causes of obesity are treated. Our research aims at understanding the effects of identified genetic variants through functional studies using in vitro models.
Our projects
- Regulation of Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS
- Role of Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS
- Effect of sex steroids on adipose tissue
- Functional analysis of genetic mutations in obesity
- Ghrelin and unacylated ghrelin signaling mechanism
- The role of ghrelin in eating behavior
- Steroid metabolome in castration resistant prostate cancer
- The role of DNA damage and metabolic remodeling cross-talk between vascular and adipose tissue ageing
Key Publications
- Kaikaew et al. Sex difference in corticosterone-induced insulin resistance in mice. Endocrinology. 2019 Jul 2. pii: en.2019-00194. doi: 10.1210/en.2019-00194
- Day et al. Large-scale genome-wide meta-analysis of polycystic ovary syndrome suggests shared genetic architecture for different diagnosis criteria. PLoS Genet. 2018 Dec 19;14(12):e1007813. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007813
- Muhammad et al. The Acylated/Unacylated Ghrelin Ratio Is Similar in Patients With Acromegaly During Different Treatment Regimens. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102:2425-2432. doi: 10.1210/jc.2017-00147
- Day et al. Large-scale genomic analyses link reproductive aging to hypothalamic signaling, breast cancer susceptibility and BRCA1-mediated DNA repair. Nat Genet. 2015 Nov;47(11):1294-1303. doi: 10.1038/ng.3412
- Delhanty PJ, Huisman M, Baldeon-Rojas LY, van den Berge I, Grefhorst A, Abribat T, Leenen PJ, Themmen AP, van der Lely AJ. Des-acyl ghrelin analogs prevent high-fat-diet-induced dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. FASEB J. 2013; 27:1690-700. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-221143
- Van Houten et al. Reproductive and metabolic phenotype of a mouse model of PCOS. Endocrinology, 2012 Jun;153(6):2861-9. doi: 10.1210/en.2011-1754
- Visser et al. Anti-Müllerian hormone: a new marker for ovarian function. Reproduction 2006; 131:1-9
Collaborations
- Calcium and Bone group, Dept of Internal Medicine (Dr. B. van der Eerden)
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Dept of Internal Medicine (Dr. A. Roks)
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Prof. J. Laven, Dr. Y. Louwers)
- Obesity Center CGG (Centrum Gezond Gewicht) (Prof. E. van Rossum, Dr. E. van den Akker)
- Reprogen consortium
- Genetics of PCOS consortium
- Prof. G. Mishra, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Reproductive factors and risk cardiometabolic and respiratory conditions.
- Prof. W. Arlt, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. PCOS and steroid hormones
- Dr. K. Walters, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia. Animal models of PCOS
- Prof. O. Meijer/ Dr. J. Kroon. Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden. Nuclear receptors and metabolic diseases
- Dr. M. van Haelst. Amsterdam VuMC, Amsterdam. Genetic obesity
Funding & Grants
- Royalties AMH assay licensing
- Health Holland/Erasmus MC-TKI-LSH grant
Our team
Scientific Staff
- Jenny A. Visser, PhD. Associated Professor. Head lab Metabolism & Reproduction
- Patric J.D. Delhanty, PhD. Assistant Professor
PhD students
- Kasiphak Kaikaew
- Loes Moolhuijsen
- Karina Prins
- Gido Snaterse
Technical staff
- Martin Huisman
- Bas Karels
- Anke McLuskey
- Rosinda Mies
- Cobie Steenbergen
