|
Biomedical Sciences Department |
Biomedical Sciences Department Research Night 2007
Welcome to the BMS Research night. The purpose of this event is twofold. First,
this event allows faculty present to discuss their research interests outside of
the normal day with students and each other. This year, we added a period of
time for undergraduate students in the BMS department to present some of their
research from the past year. We hope that this is inspiring to all, and
indicative of what can be done while an undergraduate. Talk to those students to
find out not just what they have done, but also what the experience was like.
The second purpose of this
event is to get you inspired to talk to a faculty member about what their
research interests are so that you may learn more about what can be done in the
Biomedical Sciences. We hope that, after tonight, you will know HOW to contact a
faculty member and have some idea of what they work on and what you could work
on in collaboration with them.
Some may ask-what will research experience do for me? The answer is simple: this
experience allows you the chance to work with faculty/ mentors in a 1 on 1
manner and exposes you to the concept that you can do things with your education
that you may not have considered before tonight. In a research lab, you will
apply many things that you have learned in classrooms, but in a way that is
focused on a singular problem. Many students have used this experience to find
out whether they enjoy research, which allowed them to be very competitive for
postgraduate
programs. Others will use it to learn that their original career objectives have
not changed, while at the same time gaining an appreciation for research.
Lastly, you may have the big question-HOW DO I GET STARTED? Well, you have made
the first big step-getting information. Presentations by faculty will begin
before 6 PM, during which time you can ask questions of us. At the end of this
time, I would encourage those interested to contact faculty who you may be
interested in working with.
Please use the contact information provided here also to inquire about several
programs on-campus and many off-campus. NOW is the time to look into what you
might want to do, and act on it. Those interested in working with a GVSU faculty
mentor may want to consider that applications for many programs are due by early
January. The faculty of the BMS department feel strongly that an early start
will better position you to be competitive, and look forward in working with
some of you.
Resources for Finding Summer Research Opportunities
Grand Valley State University:
Biomedical Sciences Website Faculty Research Interests
http://www4.gvsu.edu/bmhs/bmhs_pages/research.htm
Student Summer Scholars Program
http://www.gvsu.edu/s3/
Cell and Molecular Biology Program (CMB) faculty Research Interests
http://www.gvsu.edu/cm_biology/index.cfm?id=D24115EA-FDF6-6EF1-8122602C2B510D5A
McNair Scholars Program
www.gvsu.edu/mcnair
Outside Grand Valley State University:
Van Andel Research Institute
http://www.vai.org/
National Science Foundation Research Experience for
Undergraduates
http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm
American Society for Microbiology Summer Research fellowship
http://www.asm.org/Education/index.asp?bid=4316
University of Michigan Pipeline/Profiles for Success, Experience for minority
pre-dental students
http://www.dent.umich.edu/research/training.html
Eli Lilly summer internships
http://campuszone.lilly.com
Wayne State University SURE program in biomedical science
http://www.med.wayne.edu/gradprog/sure.htm
Google: UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) SURP (Summer
Undergraduate Research Program)
Professor Bergman research Interests:
Olfaction: How various organisms use the sense of smell.
My research interests are focused on understanding sensory systems. This work
involves the use of multiple scientific disciplines such as behavioral
neuroscience, biomechanics, ecology, and molecular biology. Among the sensory
systems, I have largely centered my work on the olfactory system. The olfactory
epithelium (OE) is continually exposed to odorants that can be potentially
harmful. These chemical agents must be detoxified. In mammals, a cell type known
as a sustentacular cell seems to have a significant role in protecting the OE
from such damage. Therefore I have been examining select genes associated with
these cells to better understand their role in the biotransformation of harmful
chemicals. In other research, I use crayfish as a model organism to study how
olfactory signals can be used to influence conspecifics during agonistic
(aggressive) bouts. Essentially when crayfish confront one another they release
urinary cues as a signal for social status. The crayfish nose, which primarily
consists of the antennules, receives these signals and usually causes an
alteration in their behavior. This work involves examining the animals in the
field and testing them in the laboratory.
Professor Kipp Research Interests
In my lab we investigate the mechanisms involved in the nonenzymatic biological
oxidation/reduction (Redox) reactions that are closely involved in physiologic
and pathophysiological mechanisms. The working hypothesis is that the formation
of an organic redox complex is necessary for electron transfer to take place. My
investigations center on elucidating and understanding the mechanisms involved.
To accomplish this, my students and I will be implementing biological,
biochemical, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques to characterize and
describe the mechanisms of organic redox complex formation and the resulting
transfer of electrons.
Professor Sridhar Research Interests:
Role of the tetraspanin protein CD82, in c- Met regulation in metastatic
prostate tumors.
My research interest is in the field of prostate cancer, in identifying the role
of a metastatic tumor suppressor protein called CD82 (KAI1 gene). CD82
expression is lost during prostate tumor progression to metastasis. Loss of CD82
expression has also been recently shown to correlate with metastasis in a number
of invasive cancers. The mechanisms by which cancers become metastatic are not
clear. CD82, has been shown to associate with membrane proteins such as integrin
and receptor tyrosine kinases (EGFR). During my postdoctoral work at the
VanAndel Institute, I have re-expressed CD82 to normal levels in metastatic
prostate tumor cell lines. Re-expression of CD82 in these tumor cells reduced
invasion in vitro, and suppressed integrin- or HGF-mediated activation of the
receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met. Conversely, we have also shown that suppression
of CD82 expression in normal cells increases integrin mediated c-Met activation.
Signaling through c-Met is required for cell migration and invasion in
metastatic prostate tumor cells, which is over expressed in all metastatic
prostate cancers. The exact mechanism by which CD82 regulates c-Met is my
current research focus. Preliminary data suggests that CD82 may be causing
either a decrease in c-Met cell surface aggregation or may be bringing in a
c-Met specific phosphatase in close proximity, and thereby regulating c-Met
phosphorylation/ activation. There is indication also that CD82 may be
regulating one of the four phosphorylation sites that is required for activation
of Met. Both these mechanisms of CD82 regulation and the significance of the
regulation of one specific phosphorylation site of Met are currently under
investigation.
References:
1. Sridhar S.C, and Miranti, C.K. 2005. “Tumor Metastasis
Suppressor KAI1/CD82 is a Tetraspanin” in Contemporary Cancer
Research: Metastasis. Eds. C. Rinker-Schaeffer, M. Sokoloff and
D. Yamada. .
2. Sridhar, S.C., and Miranti, C.K. 2006. Tetraspanin KAI1/CD82
Suppresses Invasion by Inhibiting Integrin-Dependent Crosstalk
with c-Met Receptor and Src Kinases. Oncogene, 25 (16).P: 23672378.
Professor D. Burg Research Interests:
Transcriptional regulation in the immune response
I am interested in understanding how the transcription factor, BATF, regulates
gene expression in cells of the immune system. Although transcription factors
are often thought of as proteins that turn on gene expression, BATF is a
transcription factor that acts as a negative regulator. That is to say, BATF
functions to suppress, or turn off, the expression of certain genes. However, we
are still trying to understand the importance of this transcription factor in
the functioning of the immune system. For example, when is BATF used and what
genes does it regulate?
Recent evidence indicates that BATF may be involved in the inflammatory response
in some way. The inflammation that follows injury can lead to resolution and
healing or it can continue as a chronic inflammatory condition. We think that
BATF may help determine which pathway is taken. We are working on a project in
the lab that will use macrophages as a model for understanding when BATF is
expressed and what genes it regulates. Macrophages are cells that are part of
our natural defense system against foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses.
They are also intimately involved in the inflammatory response. We hope to show
that BATF regulates genes in the macrophage that determine the choice between
acute and chronic inflammation. This is important because although macrophages
are a critical part of our defense against pathogens, they can also be
detrimental in cases of asthma, allergy, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis
and other chronic inflammatory diseases because they “overreact” and cause more
harm than good. By understanding the inherent controls (such as BATF) that
govern the actions of these cells, new treatments may come to light for
controlling aberrant responses.
Professor Sylvester Research Interests:
Effects of Endogenous Androgens on Pulmonary Microvascular Reactivity
Previous studies involving large isolated pulmonary arteries have suggested that
the administration of high concentrations of natural androgen produces acute
vasodilation. This study examines the acute effects of testosterone (T) and
dihydrotestosterone (DHT), observed previously in large arteries, in small
pulmonary arteries (SPA). Isolated segments of SPA taken from the lungs of Sus
domestica (n = 4, mean outside diameter = 313 ± 26 µm) were doubly cannulated
and perfused with physiologic saline solution (PSS). The vessels were also
simultaneously superfused in PSS and pressurized to 17mmHg. After a period of
equilibration, the observed trend of the SPA to both T and DHT appeared to be
that of a dose-dependent vasodilation. The concentrations of T and DHT necessary
to induce vasodilation in the SPA may be lower than those needed to induce
similar responses in large pulmonary arteries.
Professor Nochera Research Interests:
Experimental Foods, Food Extrusion, Cereal Grains-Development of food products
that are nutritious and healthy and inexpensive Cooking Skills Intervention for
College Students-College students who learn basic cooking skills when they first
become responsible for their own food shopping and preparation will have more
flexibility in dietary choices.
DHA-Rich Functional Foods - pregnant women will receive one of three levels of
DHA enriched nutritional bars. During the second phase, it will be determined if
nutrition counseling and education materials targeting DHA rich foods (e.g., DHA
rich eggs, albacore tuna, etc.) can have the same impact on pregnancy outcomes
as providing the enriched bars. Focus groups with various groups of pregnant
women are being used to generate strategies for the counseling and education
materials. Nutrition Education-design, implementation and evaluation of
educational programs targeting limited resource audiences
Professor Adams Research Interests:
My research involves both fieldwork in South Africa and lab-based work in the
United States. My active fieldwork in South Africa over the past few years has
included excavations at two Plio-Pleistocene fossil localities (Gondolin and
Luleche). During excavation, I identify and research recovered mammal fossils
and provide interpretations of the taphonomy (depositional history) and
paleoecology. Survey work over this past summer in the Western and Northern Cape
Provinces coordinated with researchers at Stanford University has led to the
identification of early Pliocene fossil deposits north of Cape Town that we plan
to survey and excavate in 2008.
I am also involved in several lab-based projects including CT (computerized
tomography) and 3D morphometric analysis. One current project involves the CT
analysis of fossil mammal teeth to understand faunal evolution during the last
3-4 million years, particularly fossil species of the family Suidae (pigs) that
was funded by GVSU during this last summer. Analyses of these remains will be
used to understand how teeth evolve in response to dietary and paleoecological
changes, better define suid species in the fossil record, and provide the
context necessary for using these remains in biostratigraphic analysis (faunal
dating methods). Another active, CT-based project involves the first study of
the internal anatomy of African and Asian elephant. By using CT scans, my
colleagues and I are exploring both their basic skeletal anatomy, as well as
investigating factors relating to sound production and communication.
Professor Baxter Research Interests
The role of hilE and Salmonella pathogenicity island 6 in regulating Salmonella
enterica serovar Typhimurium
Salmonella is a continuing problem throughout the world, contributing to
millions of infections every year. These infections are initiated when the
bacteria are ingested and then penetrate the M cells of ileal Peyer’s patches
found within the small intestine. Proteins encoded by a cluster of genes on the
chromosome known as Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI-1) play an integral
role in the invasion process by injecting effector proteins via a type III
secretion system directly into the host cells thereby forcing the uptake of the
bacteria into the host cell. Salmonella invasion is tightly controlled by the
bacterium and the genes necessary for invasion are activated by specific
environmental signals such as low oxygen concentration and high osmolarity,
condition that are believed to exist within the small intestine. The hilA gene
found within SPI-1 is a transcriptional activator of the genes required for
Salmonella invasion. When conditions are optimal for bacterial invasion, hilA is
activated, which in turn leads to the expression of the genes necessary to build
the type III secretion needle structure and the effector genes. These effectors
are then secreted through this apparatus into the targeted host cells thereby
forcing the uptake of Salmonella In an effort to understand how the different
environmental signals regulate hilA expression, a new repressor of hilA, named
hilE was identified. This gene is regulated by specific environmental signals
and has been shown to repress hilA expression when conditions are not optimal
for invasion. During the characterization of hilE, I was able to map hilE to the
Salmonella genome. The region in which hilE was identified exhibits many of the
hallmark characteristics that define pathogenicity islands including the
clustering of Salmonella specific genes, a dramatic change in the %GC in the
region, and the association of specific mobilizable elements. Salmonella
virulence is dependent on the expression of these pathogenicity islands. Future
work is being aimed at identifying these other Salmonella specific genes within
what we are calling Salmonella pathogenicity island 6, and assessing what impact
they have on Salmonella virulence.
Additional work involves collaborative efforts with the Bill Picking lab at the
University of Kansas and the Brad Jones lab at the University of Iowa where we
are creating mutants for the further characterization of the type III secretion
system and looking for additional cyclic polypeptides that may work to repress
the expression of the regulatory genes. This is being done in the hope of
identifying substances that could be used for protection or
treatment of Salmonella infections.
Professor Nieuwkoop Research Interests
My Lab has been studying for a number of years how bacteria utilize nitrogenous
compounds, especially amino acids. Specifically we have used the amino acid
histidine as a model system to study this process.
Currently we are examining the histidine utilization genes (hut) from Klebsiella
areogenes. The genome of these bacteria has recently been completely sequenced.
Within the hut operon we’ve noted that there is an unidentified open reading
frame (ORF) that appears to encode an amino acid transport protein. Since the
hut operon of Klebsiella is inducible by both histidine and urocanate (deaminated
histidine) we have speculated that this transport protein might transport either
histidine, urocanate, or both. To help determine this we will be mutating the
DNA of this region and then assaying the bacteria to see if histidine transport
is affected.
I’m always willing to chat about this project or maybe some other icrobiology/Molecular
biology/Microbial genetics projects going on in my lab.
Since I’m currently chairman of the BMS dept the easiest way to contact me is by
contacting the BMS office and scheduling a time to meet.
Professor Nieuwkoop
PAD218
X1-3318
nieuwkot@gvsu.edu
Professor M. Burg Research Interests:
General Research Interests
Identification of processes necessary for regulation of genes that are involved
in signaling between photoreceptor cells and neurons in the visual system of the
fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, using a forward genetic approach. One gene
known to disrupt signaling between these cells encodes the enzyme that
synthesizes histamine, Histidine decarboxylase. We are currently examining the
role of the Hdc gene in establishing when and where the neurotransmitter
substance, histamine, is synthesized.
Current Research Projects include:
1) Developmental and tissue-specific regulation of Hdc expression. We are
currently determining when cells first contain detectable levels of histamine in
the central nervous system (CNS) throughout the entire life cycle. Thus far,
histamine has been localized using immunocytochemical approaches in both tissue
sections and intact (dissected) CNS. Future work will use reporter genes, such
as green fluorescent protein, to identify histamine containing sells to enhance
this study. We are currently preparing to construct transgenic flies containing
a pHdc-GFP transgene reporter.
2) Analysis of mutants affecting Hdc expression. Deletion mutants have been
constructed and are being examined, using an Hdc mutant that is lacking HDC
expression (and has no detectable levels of histamine), to identify the regions
of regulation needed to express the Hdc gene in specific tissues and various
developmental stages, using both histamine immunocytochemistry and hdc tissue in
situ analysis. We are also examining the effect of point pmutaitons on
transcript stability, using quantitiative RT-PCR.
3) Examination of HDC maturation. The HDC protein has now been labeled with 2
epitope labels, such as 6X-HIS and FLAG peptides, to study the biochemical
regulation of the HDC protein. It has been proposed that the HDC protein
undergoes several steps of protein processing prior to being active. Our intent
is to identify the process in vivo and locate where in the cell this occurs.
This project will utilize established transgenic approaches to generate suitable
genotypes for study, and likely will extend to the previously mentioned
projects.
Professor Hecht Research Interests:
The focus is on retroviruses, combining the laboratory and bioinformatics
approaches. Our current focus is on viruses found in the germ line of ungulates,
such as sheep and goats. We are interested in genomic approaches to identify and
track the transmission and spread of these viruses in history. This includes a
bioinformatics approach using the sheep and other genome databases to identify
viruses. We take this information into the laboratory and use PCR and sequencing
to find and identify specific viruses and their movements.
Professor Craig Research Interests:
My most recent research has been in the genre of nanobiotechnology; more
specifically studying the nature of the enthesis (osteotendon junction) to
acquire information for the creation of new biomaterials and implants. I have
performed previous research in comparative orthopedics and have a keen interest
in skeletal biology. I have spent many years working as an osteoarcheologist
(animal and human remains) in the Levant specializing in the Bronze and Iron
Ages – a passion of mine within this field is paleopathology. Further interests
include Forensic Science, phylogeny through the study of ancient DNA, Medical
History, and last but not least the development of the Anatomical Sciences.
Professor Kopperl
MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN THE BIBLE AND OTHER RELIGIOUS TEXTS
My major research project involves historical/library research techniques. We
shall be investigating how science and medicine are portrayed by various faith
traditions’ “sacred” or “authoritative” texts. As many of you know, the Bible is
filled with discussions of medical issues as well as “scientific” concepts,
often worded in ways strange to modern scientific writing. Post-Biblical
materials in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions are also loaded with such
ideas. Students with an interest in medical or scientific history and the study
of different religious viewpoints are welcome to learn more about this project.
Sheldon J. Kopperl (256 PAD; kopperls@gvsu.edu)
Professor of Biomedical Sciences and the History of Science
Professor Reed Research Interests:
Quantification of cranial suture closure timing and pattern using current
medical imaging techniques
The timing and pattern of human cranial suture closure has been used for a
disparate range of practical purposes. Forensic anthropologists commonly use the
timing of the fusion of cranial sutures to determine age-at-death of
individuals, albeit with limited success. Some physical therapists use the
patency of cranial sutures to perform craniosacral therapy – a therapy that
claims to relieve problems (headaches, chronic back pain, etc.) attributed to
changes in the “rhythmic movements” of the cerebrospinal fluid by manually
manipulating the bones of the cranium. Both the forensic and therapeutic
applications of cranial suture biology have a number of detractors – there is
significant doubt about their efficacy. Currently, all of the gross descriptive
data of the closure of cranial sutures used in forensic and therapeutic
techniques are from direct observation. Furthermore, some of the suture data
cited in support of craniosacral therapy is woefully out-of-date – from the
beginning of the last century. Current medical imaging techniques, however, can
give a precise picture of the gross development and maturation of cranial
sutures, and perhaps settle some of the debate. My current project, which is
still in the literature review phase, is to use CT and MRI imaging as a basis to
quantify the timing and pattern of human cranial suture closure. This project
will lay a better foundation for future practical applications, and allow a
serious evaluation of current ones.
Professor Taylor Research Interests
Cell signaling pathways that control neural stem cell differentiation
The goal of the lab is to bring student researchers into the dynamic field of
stem cell biology and developmental neurobiology. The focus of the research
program is to investigate how the Notch signaling pathway influences stem cell
differentiation in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Notch is thought
to play multiple and distinct roles in neural progenitor differentiation during
different developmental stages of the nervous system. Previously, I’ve used
conditional gene deletion models to excise the gene for Rbpsuh, a
transcriptional cofactor necessary for canonical Notch signaling, in mouse
neural stem cells. We found that when Rbpsuh is deleted in the neural stem cells
from the peripheral and central nervous systems of the early/midgestation
embryo, the stem cells are unable to give rise to glia in many regions of the
peripheral nervous system (PNS) and unable to give rise to one type of glia,
known as astrocytes, in the central nervous system (CNS).
The current research questions in the lab are: Does Notch/Rbpsuh signaling
regulate gliogenesis by upregulating glial specific genes?
My lab is interested in determining what effectors of Notch signaling are
important in promoting gliogenesis. Sox9 and Nfi1a are genes that are known to
regulate astrogliogenesis (the birth of astrocytes). I have found potential Rbpsuh binding sites in the promoter region of both Sox9 and Nfi1a genes.
Additionally I have found that the
expression of these genes is decreased when Notch signaling is disrupted (Taylor
et al., and unpublished data).
To determine if Sox9 and Nfi1a are important in Notch control of gliogenesis, we
will need to determine what cell types normally express Nfi1a and Sox9, and what
happens to those cell types when Rbpsuh expression is disrupted. We will also
use techniques in the lab to determine if Rbpsuh directly influences the
expression of these genes in the chick developing spinal cord.
Does Notch/Rbpsuh signaling regulate gliogenesis through cooperative binding
with specific transcriptional factors?
Notch signaling is present in many different areas of the nervous system, so
Rbpsuh may work with binding partners present in some cell types to regulate its
activity. When I inspected the promoter region of gliogenic genes such as Sox9
and Nfi1a, many Rbpsuh binding sites have a unique configuration that allows the
binding of co-factor Ptf1a. I have found that Ptf1a expression is also
significantly decreased in Rbpsuh-deficient developing spinal cord (unpublished
results) and data from other labs show that Pft1a is expressed in domains that
have astrocyte progenitors (Pascual et al., 2007). Using the techniques in the
lab, we can test if Ptf1a may cooperate with Rbpsuh in specific cells to specify
that neural progenitors undergo astrogliogenesis (the birth of astrocytes) in
the developing spinal cord.
By addressing these questions, student researchers will explore multiple fields,
including neuroanatomy and stem cell biology. They will be able to explore how
stem cells function in vivo using many of the tools that are broadly used in
developmental, cellular and molecular biology today including cell culture
techniques, reporter gene assays, PCR, immunohistochemistry, in situ
hybridization. The techniques are tractable and the answers to the questions are
interesting and publishable.
Professor Graham Research Interests
The focus of my research is on the evolution and spread of drug resistance genes
in parasite populations. Currently I'm working with the barber pole worm, which
is a parasitic nematode of sheep. Resistance to a certain class of drug, the
Benzimidoles, which is the active ingredient in many sheep dewormers, is
conditioned by a point
mutation in a single gene. This lends itself very well to large scale PCR
screening for resistance alleles, which I'm doing on samples from around the
state. Drug resistance among barber pole worm populations is a huge problem for
sheep producers in other states, causing production losses in the tens of
millions of dollars. My research will provide a glimpse into the status of this
problem in Michigan.
email: grahamdo@gvsu.edu
315 Henry Hall
x1-2819
Professor Linn Research Interests
Exploration of possible therapeutic drugs
My research interests are divided into two main areas of investigation: the
visual system & the hypothalamus. In the visual system, I have investigated the
possible connection between glaucoma and acetylcholine (ACh). Over the years,
and particularly during my time at Pharmacia & Upjohn, my research has centered
on the possible therapeutic role of ACh . Our work supports the concept that ACh
activates receptors (alpha7 nicotinic) on retinal ganglion cells that are
involved in survival during pathological states (glaucoma). The retinal ganglion
cells are the targets of neurodegeneration during glaucoma possibly due to
excessive glutamate input (excitotoxicity). The promotion of survival is a
relatively new concept broadly categorized as neuroprotection. We just completed
a Summer Student Scholarship (S3) program, as well as other student research
efforts, and have obtained data with a selective alpha7 agonist that support our
previous findings. These efforts have used a cell culture system and an in vitro
‘eye-cup’ preparation. These efforts are ‘on-going’ and evolving. Future
directions include exploring the use of drugs originally developed for
Alzheimer’s disease and others that are selective for cannabinoid receptors that
may provide benefit for glaucoma patients.
My second area of research has also involved glutamate and ACh receptors. While
at Tulane University, I investigated the role of glutamate receptors located on
the pre-synaptic terminals of glutamate-releasing neurons in the hypothalamus.
The targets of these neurons, located in the supra-optic nucleus (SON), release
the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH). We found that there is a tonic
activation of these pre-synaptic (a.k.a. auto-receptors or feedback-receptors)
on the nerve terminals to regulate the amount of glutamate being released. In
addition, this level of activation in altered in the dehydrated state, which can
serve as model for hypertension. Just prior to joining GVSU, I submitted an
American Heart Association grant to investigate the role of ACh receptors on
neurons in the SON. Specifically, I proposed to examine the role of the same
receptor subtype of ACh receptor (i.e. alpha7) we had examined in the retina.
Other investigators have proposed an important role for these receptors in
hypothalamic function. Characterization of these hypothalamic alpha7 nicotinic
ACh receptors could lead to new drug therapies for hypertension.
Professor Nizielski Research Interests:
The primary goal of our laboratory is to characterize the cellular and molecular
mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis and how disturbances in these
regulatory mechanisms contribute to obesity. Profiling Changes in Gene
Expression in Response to Exercise & Aging Obesity is a significant health
concern as it is a major risk factor associated with increased morbidity and
mortality from several chronic diseases including: cardiovascular disease,
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, some types of cancer, gallbladder
disease, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. Despite the perception that the
American public is increasingly concerned about consuming a healthful diet, the
percentage of overweight individuals in the US continues to increase. Currently,
66% of adults over 20 years of age in the U.S. are considered overweight or
obese. Current treatments for obesity are only moderately successful.
Macroarrays and real-time PCR are being utilized to profile changes in gene
expression that occur in response to endurance training and aging in rats.
Endurance training has been shown to result in consistent, but modest reductions
in total fat mass, even when total body weight is not reduced. Aging, on the
other hand, is consistently associated with an increase in fat mass. Developing
a better understanding of the cellular adaptations that occur in adipose tissue
in response to training as well as aging will allow a better definition of
training protocols to maximize fat loss and may lead to the development of novel
pharmacological treatments that maximize lipid oxidation and fat loss during
physical activity or calorie restriction, and/or attenuate age associated
increases in obesity.
Biomedical Sciences Department