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Lipid droplets as dynamic organelles of fat deposition and release: translational research towards human disease

Lead Research Organisation: Babraham Institute
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

Lipid droplets store lipids (fats) within cells, particularly in adipose (body fat) and liver tissue. Disorders such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are associated with excessive lipid droplet synthesis, this is further complicated by such droplets inside the cell potentiating replication of hepatitis C virus. This large multicentre project integrates studies upon human and mouse examples and on cell line models in order to understand how droplet biosynthesis and turnover is regulated. The work involves gene expression (the copying of DNA into RNA and then often into protein) studies and proteomic (cell protein) and lipidomic analysis.

Planned Impact

unavailable
 
Description The control of lipid droplet formation by oleate has been shown to be mediated by the GPR120 receptor which is coupled to PI3kinase and PLD activities.
Exploitation Route Possible intervention in obesity Potential use in understanding obesity
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
 
Description Invited lecturer to international meetings (average 2-3 per year) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Generated discussion, exchange of ideas and collaborations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019
 
Description Lipidomics workshops and lipid databasing, standards and nomenclature 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Establishing internationally agreed format for reporting lipid mass spectrometry data, agreeing structures for archiving of lipidomics data, international links, transfer of LIPID MAPS website and databasing capability from USA to Babraham and Cardiff
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019
 
Description Schools day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact 125 pupils attended schools day, talks given to all and lab practicals ran for two small groups.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019