Understanding molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity-related co-morbidities
Research in the Loft group focuses on understanding how different adipose tissue depots contribute to the development of obesity-related comorbidities, such as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD).
A special interest is on exploring interactions and transitions of cells within adipose tissues throughout the development of these metabolic diseases as well as identifying the transcriptional drivers regulating disease-activated gene programs in cellular subpopulations in the adipose tissues and potentially the crosstalk with other organs. We are further dedicated to developing optimized tools for targeting of specific cellular subpopulations within the adipose tissue.
The goal of the lab is to inform new rational therapeutic strategies for treatment of obesity-related disorders through a deep mechanistic understanding of these diseases.
Project examples
- Single Cell Dissection of Adipose Tissue Heterogeneity in patients with MASLD
- Predicting Adipose Tissue-Liver Crosstalk in patients with MASLD
- Functional Targeting of Specific Cell Types in Adipose Tissue
- Perivascular Adipose Tissue Dysfunction and Development of CAD
In summary, we unravel the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases by employing sophisticated functional genomics and precise biochemical and physiological assessments in the analysis of patient biopsies and animal models. Key methodologies encompass single-cell genomics, transgenic mouse models, viral gene delivery, and an array of imaging techniques.
We are always interested in hearing from motivated students and postdocs. Please send an e-mail to Anne Loft for further details.