Evaluation of metabolic alterations in animals with GH receptor ablation in specific neural populations

• Grant number: 22/11145-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Jose Donato Junior
• Grantee: Luana Cistolo Citton
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/01318-8 - Central nervous system as a target of growth hormone for the regulation of multiple biological functions, AP.TEM

Abstract

Several neural populations that control metabolism show GH receptor (GHR) expression. Furthermore, according to recent publications by our group, GHR ablation in some neuron populations causes metabolic changes. Given these findings, one of the objectives of the Thematic Project is to investigate the potential of other neural populations in the metabolic effects induced by GH. Since we propose to study several animal models, these experiments could be carried out in a collaborative way, with a doctoral student or post-doctoral student as responsible, and a scientific initiation student (CI) as an "apprentice" in these experiments. Thus, the more experienced researcher could help the CI student to learn the necessary scientific methods, in addition to exercising the practice of being an advisor. On the other hand, CI students are more likely to learn the necessary methods and can significantly contribute to the development of various projects. Thus, with this scholarship request, it is intended to train a CI student to perform experiments such as weighing animals weekly, analyzing body composition, helping with laboratory routines and in vivo tests (GTT, ITT and others). In addition, the CI student will help tabulate and analyze the data and will participate in euthanasia for the collection and analysis of biological material. Possibly, this scholarship will be able to train a CI student who remains in the laboratory to carry out his postgraduate degree.