The objective of DIfE is to elucidate the molecular causes of diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes in order to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment as well as to provide diet recommendations. To this end, DIfE scientists conduct experimental and applied research. They collaborate across disciplines and use a broad spectrum of scientific, medical and epidemiological methods.

Participating Heads at DIfE

• Prof. Dr. Tilman Grune
• Prof. Dr. André Kleinridders (Universität Potsdam)
• Dr. Rachel Lippert
• Dr. Maximilian Kleinert
• Prof. Dr. Soyoung Park
• Prof. Dr. Andreas F. H. Pfeiffer (Charité, Berlin)
• PD Dr. Olga Ramich
• Prof. Dr. Tim Schulz
• Prof. Dr. Matthias Schulze
• Prof. Dr. Annette Schürmann
• Prof. Dr. Joachim Spranger (Charité, Berlin)

Contribution to the DZD research program

• Optimization and validation of the German Diabetes Risk Score (DIfE – DEUTSCHER DIABETES-RISIKO-TEST^®) as clinical type 2 diabetes screening instrument. The test was developed by DIfE.
• Identification and functional characterization of diabetes risk genes in the EPIC*-Study and in mouse models
• Identification of epigenetic alterations contributing to type 2 diabetes
• Participation in the clinical studies of the DZD

* EPIC: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition