Metabolic Signaling and Disease

Belly fat differs from thigh fat

Belly fat differs from thigh fat

Researchers discovered that the genes active in a person’s belly fat are significantly different from those in his or her thigh fat, a finding that could shift the way we approach unwanted belly fat—from banishing it to relocating it.

Obesity research advances to clinical testing

Obesity research advances to clinical testing

Discoveries made in the laboratories of Sanford-Burnham will, for the first time, advance to the clinical research at the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI).

Super athletic mice burn more sugar

Super athletic mice burn more sugar

Sanford-Burnham scientists are unraveling a mechanism that re-programs metabolic genes in muscles in a way that increases their capacity to use sugar. When activated in mice, this metabolic re-programming dramatically improves exercise performance.

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Studying metabolic signaling and disease

Researchers in the Metabolic Signaling and Disease Program study how organs and cells work together to respond to biological and environmental challenges that lead to the development and progression of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The program brings together investigators with complementary expertise in cell and molecular biology, chemistry, and physiology to understand mechanisms that regulate metabolic flow, energy expenditure, and appetite control. Since metabolic changes are also fundamental to many other pathological conditions, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to cancer, the basic principles of our research will also provide insight and therapeutic avenues for combating other major human diseases.

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Research - Diabetes and Obesity - Metabolic Signaling: About

Mutidisciplinary teams within the program study how extrinsic and intrinsic cell signaling networks integrate with gene-regulatory mechanisms involved in energy generation and storage pathways to influence the biologic and physiologic mechanisms of metabolic disease. This holistic approach is essential to understanding how different organ systems communicate together to provide metabolic balance for the entire body.

How our research helps improve health

When the metabolic system is out of balance due to genetic, environmental, or dietary factors, diseases such as obesity and diabetes develop. An estimated 60 percent of the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese. By understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms that maintain metabolic homeostasis, our scientists can identify new drug targets that will be exploited for novel therapies to reverse the extreme rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes that has occurred over the past several decades.

Research - Diabetes and Obesity - Metabolic Signaling: How Our Research Helps

Recent Developments

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How belly fat differs from thigh fat—and why it matters

Researchers discover that the genes active in a person’s belly fat are significantly different than those in his or her thigh fat, a finding that could shift the way we approach unwanted belly fat—from banishing it to relocating it.  Read More...
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