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.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DK009513-03
Application #
2733934
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG4-GRM (03))
Program Officer
Hyde, James F
Project Start
1998-07-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-07-01
Budget End
1999-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Department
Administration
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
616152567
City
Greensboro
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27402
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