Transcriptional regulation of metabolic pathways

Adipose tissue functions as a key regulator of mammalian energy homeostasis. Both brown and white adipocytes play important roles in the regulation of systemic metabolism. We have developed in vitro and in vivo systems to investigate the interaction between adipose tissue, both brown and white, and other organs that are important for systemic energy metabolism, such as the liver and muscles.

Using these systems, we examine how metabolic regulation in adipose tissue takes part in the regulation of systemic energy turn-over during normal and pathological conditions e.g. insulin resistance. We aim to better understand how brown and white adipocytes regulate their metabolism in response to external signals and during adaptation to metabolic stress e.g. starvation and diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

The focus of our group is to try to gain insight into the transcriptional regulation of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Our mission is to increase the understanding of how the regulation of enzyme levels, transporters of different kinds and substrate flows work to optimize metabolism.

We also aim to better understand the molecular mechanisms that modulate adipocyte metabolism and how the various organs and cell types interact by regulating different substrate flows in order for the entire organism's metabolism to function as efficiently as possible. Ultimately, the goal of our research is to identify novel targets for the therapeutic intervention of metabolic diseases.