Background
Obesity is a complex disease characterised by an accumulation of adipose tissue and its loss of capacity to handle extra fatty acids coming from the diet. Our group investigates the epigenetic regulation of adipose tissue formation and function and the epigenetic origin of obesity.
Adipose tissue main cell type is adipocytes; they store fatty acid and retrieve them when the organism needs energy. These cells can be obtained in vitro by applying a powerful differentiation cocktail on pluripotent cells called mesenchymal stem cells. This process is called adipogenesis.
This differentiation process has traditionally been used in 2D cell culture where the cells are attached to the bottom of the plate. Compared to a living tissue, this is completely different conditions and requires developing approaches similar to the in vivo environment.
Aim of Project
To develop a system of adipose differentiation that is not using animal models and is scientifically relevant, the project aims at characterising a model of adipose 3D spheroids.
The student will adapt differentiation protocol used on 2D cell culture to 3D spheroids. They will also optimise tools to study the spheroids including confocal imaging, immunostainings, western blot and qPCR.
Once the model is characterised, pharmacological treatments will be applied to test their relevance. This will help study the epigenetic modifications governing fat accumulation and understand the underlying causes of obesity.
About the group
If you're interested in this project, please contact main supervisor Pierre Chymkowitch: pierrech@ibv.uio.no
Groupe page: https://www.mn.uio.no/ibv/english/research/sections/bmb/research-groups/transcriptional-regulation-chymkowitch/index.html