Finding drugs that can correct abnormal fat metabolism

Role of purinergic signalling in human adipocyte function

Around 25% of our body is made up of fat. Fat cells, or adipocytes, store excess fats and sugar and release them when needed. When adipocytes stop working correctly, fat accumulated in other organs, increasing the risk of heart and circulatory diseases. This project aims to work out how normal adipocyte function is controlled by molecules called purinergic receptors. Dr Fountain’s previous research has shown that purinergic receptors are involved in the breakdown of fat in human fat tissue. In this project, the team will use excess abdominal fat tissue from people who had surgery to investigate exactly how these receptors might control human adipocyte function. They will first look at which purinergic receptors are active in adipocytes, and which of these control molecules involved in the breakdown of fat, such as calcium. They will then look at the effects of purinergic receptors on adipokines, which are molecules that control metabolism through the local and central nervous system. By comparing adipocytes from healthy, obese and diabetic people they can identify changes in purinergic receptor activity. This research might identify whether perturbations in the metabolism of fat cells is associated with changes in the activity of purinergic receptors. . New treatments could then be developed to target these receptors and restore normal adipocyte function, with the potential to reduce the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.