Defining microrna-378A and ERRy as key determinants underlying adverse cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell remodelling in insulin resistance
A high-fat diet can lead to type 2 diabetes – where blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high and not regulated. People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) control protein levels inside cells. A miRNA called miR-378a is highly abundant in heart tissue and its levels are known to be suppressed in heart disease. Dr Qiaozhu Su at Queen’s University Belfast has shown that miR-378a is increased in the livers of mice fed a diet causing weight gain and diabetes (high-fructose diet). The liver plays an essential role in fat metabolism and regulating blood glucose levels. Dr Su also found that miR-378a suppresses the production of an important protein called estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRg), which regulates energy production in the heart and glucose production in the liver. In this project, Dr Su and colleagues will investigate whether miR-378a and ERRg are key molecules involved in the development of heart and circulatory diseases in diabetes. The researchers will study genetically-engineered mice to determine how miR-378a and ERRg affect fat metabolism, the health of blood vessels and the structure and energy production of heart muscle cells. Identifying the key biochemical pathways that underlie fat-induced diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases will help us to develop targeted new therapies to prevent and treat them.
Project details
| Grant amount | £294,263 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 January 1900 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/19/86/34788 |
| Status | In Progress |
