22.1. 2019, Biologie tukové tkáně

PhD project: Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) as a novel adipose depot in the regulation of the whole body metabolism and bone homeostasis

In obesity, lipids are accumulated in liver, muscle or cardiovascular system, instead in adipose tissue (AT). Recent studies have shown that bones are also affected, leading to enhanced adipocyte formation in bone marrow (BMAT). Higher BMAT is often associated with bone fragility fractures, an overlooked complication affecting the quality of life. Opposite to AT, there is limited information on a physiological role of BMAT in relation to bone and whole body energy metabolism. The major aim of the PhD project will be to characterize  metabolic phenotype of BMAT in several metabolic complications in comparison to AT and its contribution to whole body energy metabolism and bone homeostasis. The project will employ murine and human cellular systems and in vivo models applying several molecular, bioanalytical and in vivo phenotyping techniques.  Project will be conducted in the newly established Department at the Institute of Physiology CAS, in collaboration with excellent laboratories abroad. The basic PhD scholarship will be supported by the employment at the Department.

Candidate’s profile (requirements):

Candidates with MSc degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, medicine, pharmacology or related disciplines, or students expecting to obtain their degree this year. Experience with molecular biology techniques and in vitro cell culture methods are advantage.

Relevant publications:

Tencerova M, et al. High fat diet-induced obesity promotes expansion of bone marrow adipose tissue and impairs skeletal stem cell functions in mice. J Bone Miner Res. 2018 Feb 14. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.3408.

Tencerova M, Kassem M. The Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells: Commitment and Regulation of Adipogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2016 Sep 21;7:127.

Tencerova M, et al. Activated Kupffer cells inhibit insulin sensitivity in obese mice. FASEB J. 2015 Mar 24. pii: fj.15-270496

Amano SU, Cohen JL, Vangala P, Tencerova M, Nicoloro SM, Yawe JC, Shen Y, Czech MP, Myriam Aouadi M. Local proliferation of macrophages contributes to obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation. Cell Metab. 2013 Dec 24. [Epub ahead of print].

Aouadi M, Tencerova M, Vangala P, Yawe JC, et al. Gene silencing in adipose tissue macrophages regulates whole-body metabolism in obese mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 14;110(20):8278-83.

Supervisor: Michaela Tencerova, Ph.D.