ERRgamma and skeletal muscle: insights into lipid utilization and catabolism [ 2007 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof George Muscat (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Shu Ching Wang

Brief description The significance of Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) in disease is underscored by the range of pharmacopoeia for the treatment of NR-associated disorders (e.g 16% of the top 100 drugs target NRs). ERRgamma receptors are abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle, a major mass periperal tissue that acconts for ~40% of total body weight, and energy expenditure. Muscle is the major site of glucose metabolism and, fatty acid oxidation. Consequently, it has a significant role in insulin sensitivity, the blood lipid profile, lipid metabolism and obesity. Understanding the functional role of the orphan ERR receptors in skeletal muscle in the context of inflammation, lipid and energy homeostasis is of paramount importance in further understanding the mechanistic basis of dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, diabetes and obesity. Identification of novel ERRgamma targets that regulate metabolism in a major mass peripheral tissue, and positively influence the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, provides platforms for potential therapeutic intervention. Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of global mortality, and was responsible for >15 million deaths in 2003.

Funding Amount $AUD 357,936.08

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant