Collaborative Research: Real-time Profiling of regulatory molecule network in adipocytes

Tufts University, Medford MA

Investigators

Abstract

0651963 Lee The basic hypothesis in this project is that adipogenesis and hypertrophic enlargement are governed through the concerted actions of a network of regulatory molecules. In that respect, in specific aim 1, fluorescence-based reported plasmids will be generated for real-time gene expression and activation measurement of a panel of regulatory molecules- such as transcription factors and signaling kinases- that have well established roles in adipogenesis. In specific aim 2 a multivariate statistical method developed in the laboratory of the PI and co-PI will be employed in order to determine regulatory molecules that discriminate the adipogenic differentiation and hypertrophy modalities. Finally in the third specific aim, the expression of uncoupling protein-1 will be utilized in order to decrease fat accumulation during adipocyte hypertrophy and determine its effect on the descriminant regulatory molecules identified from aims 1 and 2. Obesity is a big health problem. As a chronic condition, obesity increases the risk from many diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. The result of this proposal- in the long term- will be to identify alternative molecular targets for regulating adiposity through the elucidation of the regulatory basis underlying adipogenesis and hypertrophy. Educationally, the project will form a cornerstone of a new integrated research and education program. The subject of this research will become a core topic of a course taught by the PI on Systems Biology and by the co-PI on metabolic and cell engineering.