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Project

A search for better insights and new targets in the prevention and reversal of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is a chronic disease that mainly develops in sedentary individuals who consume more food than needed. Currently, obesity is the major cause of life threatening health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment options are limited, as diet and the limited available medications have disappointing long-term effects. The mechanisms leading to the development of obesity and linking obesity to type 2 diabetes also remain obscure. As genetic studies suggested a role for the Wnt pathway in the development of obesity, the first aim of this project is to evaluate the role of the Wnt pathway in the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of this pathway can point out new drug targets. Our lab pointed out a role for the CHOP protein in obesity and type 2 diabetes. As this protein seems to be a very interesting target in the prevention and reversal of obesity and its metabolic consequences, the potential of CHOP will be studied more in depth in the second aim. Gastric bypass surgery is a very efficient alternative to treat obesity, but remains very invasive. In the third aim, we will evaluate the pathways and mechanisms involved in the improvement of post-surgery metabolism. This could in turn lead to pharmacological and thus less invasive treatment paradigms.
Date:1 Oct 2012 →  31 Jul 2015
Keywords:Type 2 diabetes, Insulin resistance, Gastric bypass, Inflammation, Obesity