Profile of the Research Group

We investigate hormonal and molecular mechanisms involved in the nutritional regulation of the human metabolism and in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

Pathogenesis of obesity and associated metabolic diseases is a complex process where the interaction of different organs is involved. Liver and adipose tissue are key organs of glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. They also secrete specific protein factors – hepatokines and adipokines – into circulation which in turn contribute to the regulation of metabolic processes in other organs. In obesity and associated metabolic diseases, the dysfunction of liver and adipose tissue is observed which is characterized by progressive insulin resistance, “cold” tissue inflammation, fibrosis, hypoxia and disrupted mitochondrial function. Unravelling of molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation in humans and the formation of metabolic disorders is of great importance for the development of new effective preventives and therapy approaches.

The aim of our research group is the unravelling of hormonal and molecular mechanisms of nutrition-related metabolic regulation in humans. For this, we conduct dietary intervention studies where we investigate effects of various dietary patterns in humans (such as nutrient composition and meal timing). We focus on the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation which we try to elucidate via the analysis of molecular metabolic pathways in adipose tissue, liver, and blood cells. The research group uses various methods of molecular biology and the omics approaches as well as experiments in mouse models and in the cultures of primary human cells and cell lines (monocytes, macrophages, adipocytes).

Team

Boosting Health by Nutrition Research.

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