LAMR RESEARCH OUTLINE
In LAMR, we are interested in the regulation process of energy metabolism. To investigate our research interest, we are using various cell lines and specific gene knock-out mouse for deficient and overexpressed gene models, and nematodes for genetic screening model. Our aim is to discover the molecular mechanisms behind metabolic diseases resulting from an unbalanced energy metabolism and the process by which lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism are integrated in metabolic tissues such as adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, kidney, etc.
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Adipose tissue is divided into white adipose tissue that stores energy in the body and brown adipose tissue that generates heat. In our lab, we analyze energy conversion processes including energy storage and usage in adipocytes at molecular level and study metabolic diseases caused by changes in immune responses including inflammatory reactions in adipose tissue.
1) Adipose tissue remodeling study through changes in adipocytes
Lipid droplets store lipid metabolites such as triglycerides and cholesterol, and is an organelle within the cell that expends these lipid metabolites in a signal transduction-dependent manner. Lipid droplets and lipid metabolism require an elaborate regulation process during which lipid droplet surface proteins and other various proteins participate. We are uncovering the role of Lipid droplet surface proteins and the roles of genes that regulate them.
2) Inflammatory response study of adipose tissue
During obesity, various types of immune cells penetrate into adipose tissue and induce chronic inflammation. Increased inflammatory response in adipose tissue causes insulin resistance along with abnormal glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, ultimately leading to diabetes. In our laboratory, we are studying the correlation between the inflammatory response and the immune response in adipose tissue, one of the causes of diabetes. In addition, we are investigating how immune cells in adipose tissue induce abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolism at a molecular level.
3) Metabolic disease research upon energy metabolic imbalance
At the organismal level, adipose tissue actively interacts with several other metabolic tissues to maintain energy homeostasis. When lipid metabolites in the blood increases, lipotoxicity is induced. Then, the function of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas is impaired and ultimately apoptosis is induced. Also, liver and kidney dysfunction occur when excessive lipid metabolites are accumulated. In some severe cases, it can also cause cancer. In addition to our research interest on lipid metabolism, we are attempting new research on cancer development caused by imbalance in lipid and glucose metabolism.