Mitochondrial dynamics in the control of metabolism and function of tissue macrophages

• Grant number: 20/15941-9
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal researcher: Pedro Manoel Mendes de Moraes Vieira
• Grantee: João Victor Virgilio da Silva
• Home Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Immune cells play a central role in maintaining the whole-body homeostasis. Immune cells are constantly adapting their metabolism and function upon systemic alterations. Immunometabolism has helped to understand how these cells are important in physiological and pathological conditions. Macrophages have different activation profiles and metabolic adaptations in different contexts and microenvironments. Despite great advances in the field of immunometabolism, most studies are performed with macrophages derived from mice bone marrow or from human circulating monocytes. There is a constant need to understand the metabolic responses of tissue resident macrophages. Mitochondria are central players in the control of cellular metabolism, being important in the production of ATP, control of the redox state, among other functions. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, assuming elongated or fragmented forms, according to the cellular context. Mitochondrial architecture is directly related to their specific functions. Mitochondrial morphology appears to play a role in immune responses against pathogens and Obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation. Thus, our goal is to understand how the mitochondrial dynamics machinery controls the macrophage metabolismin non-infectious inflammatory microenvironment, such as obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and the subsequent insulin resistance. Thus, we will be able to understand how mitochondrial dynamics controls macrophages function in the inflammatory context of Obesity. (AU)