Project description:Adipose tissue stromal cells contribute to the regulation of adipose tissue in lean and obese states. Myeloid cells such as adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) and dendritic cells (ATDCs) undergo both quantitative and qualitative changes with obesity. Due to similarity in markers the identify of adipose tissue dendritic cells and macrophages has been elusive. We have refined prior protocols to unambiguously discern ATM and ATDC in mice. We used microarrays to compare the profiles of ATMs and ATDC from gonadal adipose tissue from lean, obese, and formerly obese mice. We also isolated preadipocytes (PA) from lean and obese mice for comparison. Male C57Bl/6 mice were fed normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Weight loss (WL) mice were switched from the HFD to ND for 8 weeks. RNA was purified from FACS sorted cell populations (live cells only) obtained from gonadal/epididymal adipose tissue depots. ATMs were defined as CD11c+ (CD45+CD64+ CD11c+) or CD11c- (CD45+CD64+ CD11c-) ATMs. ATDC were defined as CD64- CD11c+. PA were defined as CD31- CD45- Sca1+ PDGFRA+.
Project description:This program addresses the molecular basis of beta-cell failure associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in the db/db mice. Specifically, which genes are differentially expressed in pancreatic islets of the db/db mice compared to the control db/+ mice?
Project description:Influenza A virus (IAV) causes a wide range of extra-respiratory complications, ranging from central nervous system disease to cardiac disease. Obesity/overweight has previously been identified as a susceptibility factor for both severe influenza and cardiac disease. We therefore sought to investigate the systemic pathogenesis of influenza in an obese mouse model with a focus on cardiac complications of influenza.
Project description:This program addresses the gene signature associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in the db/db mice. Specifically, which genes are differentially expressed in adipose tissue of the db/db mice compared to the control db/+ mice?