Thesis supervisor: Beáta Bartáné Tóth
Location of studies (in Hungarian): University of Debrecen Abbreviation of location of studies: DEAOK
Description of the research topic:
Diet-induced obesity predisposes individuals to insulin resistance, and adipose tissue plays a major role in the development of this disease. The homeostasis of adipose tissue can be disturbed and, in addition, can become acutely or chronically hypoxic, which may result in altered cellular functions. This could contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent studies suggest that the induction of thermogenic processes in adipocytes may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of metabolic diseases, as it may provide an opportunity to release excess energy stored in adipose tissue by releasing heat. However, the metabolic processes of adipocytes and their ability to release heat are greatly influenced by insulin sensitivity, which may be severely reduced in some pathological cases. A detailed understanding of the development of obesity and insulin resistance and their causal relationship may contribute to a more effective treatment of obesity and related pathologies. Therefore, our research group is investigating the molecular and genetic background and relationship among insulin resistance, hypoxia signalling and thermogenic processes by growing stromal fraction cells from different human adipose tissue samples under laboratory conditions, differentiating them into mature adipocytes and treating them differently experimentally.
Our experiments aim to elucidate the exogenous and endogenous regulatory factors (e.g. temperature, oxygen levels, insulin levels, hormones, other signalling molecules, metabolites, etc.) and signalling pathways involved in the induction and co-ordinated functioning of adipocyte thermogenic processes. We also aim to determine which molecular markers and processes may characterise the different adipocyte phenotypes and to clarify the conditions for possible transitions between phenotypes.
Our results may shed light on the molecular processes underlying metabolic diseases and help identify appropriate targets for effective and safe treatment.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-15
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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