Investigation of mechanisms related to the development of partial lipodystrophy in a murine model

• Grant number: 23/16404-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Alves da Silva Mori
• Grantee: Rhaissa Godoi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08354-2 - The interplay between the immune system and metabolism as a key determinant of the aging process, AP.TEM

Abstract

Lipodystrophy is defined as a heterogeneous set of metabolic disorders resulting from dysfunction of adipose tissue in its ability to accumulate lipids, commonly leading to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. miRNAs are small non-coding molecules and endogenous regulators of gene expression, which are generated through the processing by the endoribonuclease DICER. These molecules have an important influence on lipid metabolism and adipogenesis pathways, and have been previously associated with lipodystrophy. Previous results from the group reported that adipocyte-specific DICER knockout (ADicerKO) mice have progressive adipose tissue dysfunction and develop partial lipodystrophy, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the absence of DICER in adipocytes affects the biosynthesis and secretion of several classes of lipids. Thereby, the aim of the study is to understand how miRNAs and their targets affect the pattern of lipid accumulation in different adipose tissue depots and are affected by the development of partial lipodystrophy in a murine model.