Study of Macrophage Phenotype Modulation by the Secretome of Different Adipose Tissues

• Grant number: 24/19121-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Manoel Mendes de Moraes Vieira
• Grantee: Matheus Barbosa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/16030-0 - Immunometabolic adaptation of tissue resident macrophages in health and disease, AP.TEM

Abstract

One of the main contributors to obesity-related insulin resistance is the presence of systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. In addition to serving its primary role in energy storage, adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, releasing a diverse array of bioactive molecules in its secretome. This secretome varies based on the type and location of the adipose tissue, exerting distinct effects on resident macrophages. Previous research has shown that adipose tissue conditioned medium (AT-CM) can directly influence macrophage behavior, enhancing lipid droplet formation and disrupting autophagic processes within these cells. This study aims to explore the impact of the secretome from various adipose tissues of lean and obese mice on macrophage phenotype. To achieve this, mice will be placed on a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Following this, explants from different adipose tissues will be collected and used to create the conditioned medium. This medium will then be applied to macrophages differentiated from mouse bone marrow progenitors. After a 24-hour treatment period, the macrophages will be analyzed for phenotypic and functional changes. The goal of this research is to deepen our understanding of how macrophage profiles are maintained in adipose tissues located in different areas of the body.