Function and specificity of thiazolinedione induced eRNAs

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR?) is a master regulator of adipogenesis and metabolism. The widely used anti-diabetic class of thiazolinedione (TZD) drugs target PPAR? to decrease circulating levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and free fatty acids; however, te molecular mechanisms and cell targets of these actions are not completely understood. We have employed a novel genome-wide technique, Global Run-On Sequencing (GRO-seq) to identify TZD-induced long non- coding RNAs (lncRNA) from PPAR? bound enhancers, (eRNAs), in adipocytes. We hypothesize that eRNAs mediate PPAR? expression profiles in adipocytes and dictate cell-specific TZD-induced gene expression networks. The first aim of this proposal is dedicated to determining the physiological significance and mechanism of action of eRNAs in adipocytes. Both global and individual functions of eRNAs will be tested in experiments using RNAse or eRNA knockdown and overexpression. The second aim uses GRO-seq to identify eRNAs in macrophages. GRO-seq datasets of adipocytes and macrophages will be compared to identify cell type specific eRNAs. Identification of novel adipocyte specific factors and understanding their mechanism of action has the potential of tailoring therapeutics for cell specific actions to minimize adverse side-effects of TZDs.