UCSF DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM TRAINING PROGRAM FACULTY RESEARCH SUMMARIES
ASHRAFI, KAVEH, Ph.D. Department of Physiology; Diabetes Center
|
|
Molecular and Neuronal Fat Regulatory Circuits
How do networks of genes function at the organismal level? Fat regulation involves a complex interplay between the feeding regulatory centers in the nervous system and sites of fat storage. Using genetic and genome-wide RNAi approaches, we have identified over 400 genes that affect C. elegans fat content. These include components of neuroendocrine signaling, transcription, metabolism, and novel pathways. Our broad aims are (i) to understand the molecular functions and modes of regulation of the newly identified genes in the context of living animals, (ii) to determine how development, environment, and disease-associated genes affect the fat regulatory network, (iii) to determine how food sensation and metabolism are coupled, and (iv) to delineate the neuronal networks that regulate feeding behavior. In collaborative efforts, we are extending our findings to help identify genes that underlie diabetes and obesity-related disorders.
Selected Reference
Ashrafi, K., Chang, F. Y., Watts, J. L., Fraser, A. G., Kamath, R. S., Ahringer, J. and G. Ruvkun, Genome-wide RNAi analysis of C. elegans fat regulatory genes. Nature 421:267-272 (2003).