Acronym
J3-70141
Department:
Department of Animal Science
Type of project
ARIS projects
Type of project
Basic research project
Role
Lead
Financing
Duration
01.03.2025 - 28.02.2029
Total
0.75 FTE
Project manager at BF
Čater MašaAbstract
Obesity is a complex, polygenic disease in which the key molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. This project focuses on investigating the role of the Pla2g4e gene and its product, cPLA2E, in skeletal muscle and their impact on the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The research is based on our two unique mouse lines, an obese and a lean line, that differ markedly in body fat content and represent an exceptional model for studying the genetic mechanisms of obesity.
By combining genomic and proteomic analyses with in vivo and in vitro experiments, we will examine how changes in Pla2g4e expression influence the function of the endocannabinoid system, energy balance, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Particular emphasis will be placed on an in vivo targeted therapeutic approach, in which peripheral activity of the endocannabinoid system in the obese mouse line will be inhibited using a selective antagonist of the cannabinoid receptor CNR1. The aim of the in vivo study is to evaluate the efficacy of this targeted therapy in reducing obesity and improving metabolic parameters, including insulin sensitivity, as well as to assess the durability of the therapeutic effect. Using a translational in vitro approach in mouse and human myoblasts, we will further validate the relevance of the findings for humans.
The project will provide novel insights into molecular targets in skeletal muscle and open new avenues for the development of more precise, targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic diseases.
Researchers
- External link to Maša Čater Open in new window
- External link to Simon Horvat Open in new window
- External link to Tanja Kunej Open in new window
- External link to Ana Jakopič Open in new window
- External link to Jernej Ogorevc Open in new window
- External link to Nejc Umek Open in new window
- External link to Erika Cvetko Open in new window
- External link to Žiga Šink Open in new window
The phases of the project and their realization
- Genomic studies: March–December 2026
- Blood analyses: October–December 2026
- Protein studies, immunostaining of mitochondria and lipid droplets: August 2026–February 2028
- In vivo experiment: January–December 2028
- In vitro experiment: October 2028–February 2029