Investigating the Ferrostatic Role of Adipose Tissue Macrophages

Summary

This project investigates the ferrostatic role of vasculature-associated macrophages (VAMs) in regulating iron homeostasis within adipose tissue and their broader functions beyond immunity, aiming to understand their impact on chronic inflammatory diseases like type 2 diabetes.

What they want

The study aims to elucidate the tissue-level iron handling functions of VAMs by identifying their primary iron uptake pathway, ascertaining the role of VAM-mediated iron export and storage in regulating adipose tissue iron content and systemic metabolism, and uncovering the molecular mechanisms for adaptation of adipose tissue cells to perturbations in local iron availability. This will involve the use of novel mouse models that target tissue-resident macrophages with high specificity.

Deliverables

Identification of the primary iron uptake pathway in VAMs
Ascertainment of the role of VAM-mediated iron export and storage in regulation of adipose tissue iron content and systemic metabolism
Uncovering of the molecular mechanisms for adaptation of adipose tissue cells to perturbations in local iron availability

Technical requirements

Novel mouse models that target tissue-resident macrophages with very high specificity
Gene expression profiling capabilities
Facilities for immunology, physiology, and biochemistry experiments

Key personnel

Dissertation candidate
Dr. Hernandez Moura Silva (lab head)