My research interests are focused on hormonal and nutrient regulation of adipocyte growth, development and metabolism. My preliminary dissertation theme involves determining the mechanism by which the adrenal preandrogen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) reduces adipose tissue mass. We have recently demonstrated that acute (14 d) treatment of rats with micrograms levels of DHEAS in their drinking water significantly reduces adipose tissue mass and cellularity. Using both animal and cell culture models (3T3 L1 cells, rat and human adipocytes in primary culture), my research will investigate how DHEAS decreases adipocyte size and/or number. These studies will include DHEAS's impact on specific receptors (PPAR, RXR) and transcription factors (ARF6) that regulate adipocyte differentiation during early, mid and late stages of growth.
| Lea-Currie, Y R; Monroe, D; Mcintosh, M K (1999) Dehydroepiandrosterone and related steroids alter 3T3-L1 preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 123:17-25 |
| Lea-Currie, Y R; Wen, P; McIntosh, M K (1998) Dehydroepiandrosterone reduces proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 248:497-504 |
