Research is focussed on the so-called drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) families, flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) and cytochromes P-450 (CYPs). DMEs make it possible for an organism to be exposed to foreign chemicals e.g. therapeutic drugs, environmental pollutants, dietary components and plant products and to respond by metabolising such compounds to allow their clearance from the body. Using knockout models we have identified key roles for FMOs not only in drug and foreign chemical metabolism but also in energy metabolism. FMOs therefore have a dual role both in xenobiotic and endogenous metabolism. The biochemical consequences of genetic variation within these DME gene families for drug therapy and human health are of particular interest.  Our research includes also studies of the perceptions of the clinical profession and the public in the use of medical therapies based on personalised genetic profiles (pharmacogenetics).

Of special interest is the genetic disorder primary trimethylaminuria, which arises because bacteria in the gut break down some dietary constituents and in the process release trimethylamine. Mutations in the FMO3 gene prevent conversion of odorous trimethylamine to its non-odorous N-oxide. The disorder manifests in the excretion of large amounts of trimethylamine in the breath, sweat and urine.

Trimethylaminuria Gene reviews

trimethyalminuria clinical utility gene card

Talks on trimethylaminuria and FMO3 can be accessed through the blog of the patient advocacy group MEBO  using the following links. The talks were presented at: MEBO Washington DC Conference, 2011; MEBO Miami Beach Conference 2012; MEBO Miami Beach Conference 2017.

FMO3 enzyme and Trimethylaminuria

Pharmacogenetics and Personalised Medicine

http://www.meboblog.com/2017/03/mebo-miami-beach-conference-2017-prof.html