Using Beige Fat to Increase Metabolism as a Potential Therapy for Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes
Adipose (fat) tissue helps our bodies store energy and also provides cushion and insulation. Too much fat can result in becoming overweight and lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes research in the laboratory of Michael Czech, PhD, is studying the behavior and function of various fat cells, with the goal of improving metabolism for a potential therapy for obesity.
In recent years, scientists at UMass Chan Medical School have helped uncover the benefits of a type of fat called beige fat, which increases metabolism and helps burn harmful fat in the body. The Czech Lab continues to investigate beige fat as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Adilson Guilherme, PhD, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine, led a study that revealed new insights into signaling that drives heat production in beige adipocytes. It was published in Cell Reports (May 2020).