Studying the role of insulin in macrophages

Macrophage insulin signalling enhancement in inflammation and atherosclerosis

Dr Matthew Gage and his colleagues at University College London (UCL) are studying the role of insulin in immune cells called macrophages. These cells are involved in driving inflammation and, indirectly, in atherosclerosis – when blood vessels become furred with fatty plaques. Insulin is a hormone that enables the cells in our body to use sugar. Cells become resistant to insulin as we age, and insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance also happens in obesity, increasing people’s risk of a heart attack or stroke. While insulin benefits some tissues by reducing blood sugar levels, it can also increase the activity of macrophages which can promote atherosclerosis. Macrophages from people with diabetes respond poorly to insulin, and Dr Gage has discovered that these macrophages are also anti-inflammatory. In this project, Dr Gage and his team will increase insulin sensitivity in macrophages and examine the effect on inflammation and atherosclerosis in mice. They will confirm whether observed changes in the behaviour of mouse macrophage are relevant to humans using macrophages isolated from people who are insulin resistant. This research will reveal more about macrophages, insulin resistance and how they create an environment that promotes atherosclerosis. It may reveal new ways to treat people with diabetes and insulin resistance.