Although it is well established that obesity is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Recent findings in our laboratory indicate that c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway may play a role. This proposal addresses the tissue specific effects of JNK1 on the development of insulin resistance during diet-induced obesity. Our hypothesis is that obesity induces macrophage specific JNK, which leads to peripheral insulin resistance. To test this hypothesis, we will: (1) examine mice that receive a bone marrow transplantation from a) JNK deficient mice into wild type mice and b) wild type mice into JNK deficient mice and will be placed on a high fat diet and monitored metabolically, (2) screen for phosphorylation status of JNK substrates in macrophages by employing a JNK kinase that uses an ATP analogue, and (3) analyze the transcriptional profile of insulin resistant macrophages. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of JNK in macrophages may elucidate obesity's strong association with insulin resistance and diseases of the metabolic syndrome.

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 #
5F31DK072556-02
Application #
7177553
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-P (29))
Program Officer
Agodoa, Lawrence Y
Project Start
2006-01-01
Project End
2009-12-31
Budget Start
2007-01-01
Budget End
2007-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$30,722
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115