The current epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome has been linked to alterations in diet and lifestyle. Although human tissues demonstrate remarkable metabolic plasticity in response to physical activity and dietary exposures, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the beneficial or deleterious effects of exercise or nutrient exposures on skeletal muscle and hepatic metabolism are incomplete. The goal of this study is to uncover new mechanisms that underlie enhanced skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity following an acute bout of exercise and changes in hepatic glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in refeeding responses and time-restricted feeding paradigms. I will test the radically novel hypothesis that remodeling of ribosomes in these tissues rapidly generates changes in the proteome and serves as a mechanism for metabolic plasticity. This work will advance our understanding of how environmental cues shape metabolic physiology and has the potential to identify new targets for preventive therapies aimed at improving human metabolic fitness.

Public Health Relevance

This study will evaluate novel ways in which acute exercise and changes in nutrient exposures induce rapid alterations in skeletal muscle and liver metabolism that impact insulin sensitivity. The findings will provide a new understanding of how the body achieves metabolic fitness and how metabolism is perturbed in diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (NDPA) (DP1)
Project #
1DP1DK119141-01
Application #
9637673
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1)
Program Officer
Laughlin, Maren R
Project Start
2018-09-01
Project End
2023-08-31
Budget Start
2018-09-01
Budget End
2019-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130