Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a precipitating factor in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The cellular mechanisms that are responsible for skeletal muscle insulin resistance remain unknown. The long term objective of this research is to understand the role that myostatin signaling may have in the development of skeletal muscle insulin resistance. The central hypothesis of this project is that myostatin-induced SMAD3 phosphorylation increases IRS-1 serine phosphorylation, resulting in insulin resistance in human skeletal muscle cells. This hypothesis has been formulated on the basis of preliminary data produced in the applicant's laboratory. Using primary skeletal muscle cells from lean and severely obese individuals, the Specific Aims of this project are to: 1) determine if myostatin impairs proximal insulin signaling in human skeletal muscle cells;2) determine the myostatin post-receptor pathway(s) responsible for insulin resistance;and 3) determine whether myostatin signaling is responsible for impaired insulin action in primary human skeletal muscle cells derived from obese, insulin resistant individuals. It is anticipated these studies will reveal new insights regarding the cellular mechanisms that contribute to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, and provide the framework for targeted and efficient treatment strategies in the near future.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed research is relevant to public health because it will advance current knowledge on the cellular mechanisms that contribute to skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a main contributing factor for the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this application is highly relevant to NIH's mission to conduct and support medical research on obesity and metabolic disease to improve people's health and quality of life.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) (R15)
Project #
1R15DK102115-01
Application #
8689648
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Study Section (MCE)
Program Officer
Silva, Corinne M
Project Start
2014-07-15
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2014-07-15
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Ohio University Athens
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Osteopathic Medicine
DUNS #
City
Athens
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
45701