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White-brown fat plasticity and metabolic inflammation in obesity and diabetes Research project
Description:
Obesity and associated health risks are the greatest public-health challenges of our time. Recent studies indicated that proper metabolic function requires a previously unsuspected level of cooperation between the fat cells and the resident immune cells. We have obtained strong experimental evidence that pharmacological supplementation of diet-induced obese mice with triptolide, a diterpene triepoxide with potent anti-inflammatory properties, decreases macrophage recruitment and cytokine signature in fat that correlates with ‘browning’ of white adipocytes, increased glucose utilization, and improved insulin sensitivity. By combining our unique animal models DIO-triptolide (NCSU) and FAT-1 (USP) with substantial expertise in mitochondrial bioenergetics (NCSU) and flow cytometry (USP), we will demonstrate novel molecular and cellular determinants of white-brown fat plasticity and metabolic inflammation. The gained knowledge will position NCSU and USP at the forefront of human health research; allow us to capitalize on synergistic interdisciplinary expertise; generate data to support joint proposals; and ultimately lead to new treatments for patients with obesity and diabetes.
Region(s)/Country(s):
Brazil
|
United States
Dates:
07/01/2015 - 06/30/2016
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