Julia Pinette
Graduate Student, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Epidemiological studies have shown that diabetic patients have increased plasma branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Adipose tissue is a known regulator of systemic metabolism, and disruption of this process causes chronic low-grade inflammation resulting in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The Zaganjor lab has linked BCAA catabolism in adipocytes with changes in insulin sensitivity via the mitochondrial enzyme SIRT4. Adipose tissue-specific knockout of SIRT4 leads to insulin resistance and adipose tissue hypertrophy according to my preliminary data. I am investigating the molecular mechanism by which SIRT4 regulates adipose tissue homeostasis.
- Previously supported by the Vanderbilt Hypertension and Blood Pressure Regulation Program (HBPRP T32 HL144446-02)
- Currently funded by the American Heart Association predoctoral fellowship