Project A09
Sexual dimorphism of adrenal hormone action in metabolic tissues
Project A09 deals with the over-activation of adrenal function and glucocorticoid (GC) signaling which lead to severe metabolic complications. As major effectors of the adrenal gland, GCs are essential regulators of physiology and metabolism. GCs have been shown to affect males and females differently in both rodent studies and clinical settings. Our project aims to identify the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the sexually dimorphic response to adrenal steroids observed in rodents and humans. Using total RNASeq and ChIPseq profiling, we plan to identify metabolic GC-driven, sexually dimorphic regulators both at the miRNA and the transcription factor binding level. By modulating these identified effectors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, we hope to contribute to ameliorating symptoms of GC excess, which may be more pronounced or frequent in one sex.
Aims
(I) Define and functionally evaluate adrenal steroid-driven, sexually dimorphic microRNAs in adipose tissue
(II) Map genome-wide sex-specific chromatin binding by Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) to identify co-regulators relaying adrenal signals
| Principal Investigators | Institution |
| Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Henriette Uhlenhaut | TUM |
| Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Herzig | HMGU |
