Immunometabolism and neuroendocrine mechanisms
The adipose tissue is a central tissue in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. It acts as an energy depot but also as an endocrine organ, sending signals to the brain to inform about the energy status of the body. It responds to insulin and therefore is fundamental in regulating glucose levels. A dysfunctional adipose tissue leads to metabolic impairment. We focus on molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue dysfunction and drugs that affect adipose tissue metabolic capability.
Project description
Adipose tissue plays an essential role in whole-body metabolic homeostasis and is a major driver of obesity-related inflammatory responses. It contains a mixture of preadipocytes, adipocytes, immune cells, and endothelial cells and can rapidly and dynamically respond to alterations in nutrient supply and neuroendocrine communications with other organs.
Dysregulated hormonal, metabolic and neural signalling within and between organs, such as adipose tissue and brain, can contribute to the development of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. We are investigating the role of oestradiol in adipocyte metabolism. We are also exploring how signals from sympathetic neurons and immune cells regulate adipocyte metabolism, and consequently, adipose tissue function. Currently, we are characterizing neural innervation in adipose tissue from healthy, lean, and obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes and the link to endocrine signalling. A better understanding of the crosstalk between nervous, endocrine, and immune systems with adipose tissue in regulating energy balance can provide us with new strategies for effective prevention, diagnostic, and treatment of metabolic diseases.
Project members
Chosen publications
Sarsenbayeva A, Dipta P, Lundqvist M, Almby KE, Tirosh B, Nunzio G Di, Eriksson JW, & Pereira MJ. Human macrophages stimulate expression of inflammatory mediators in adipocytes; effects of second-generation antipsychotics and glucocorticoids on cellular cross-talk. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021 125 105071.