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Research Opportunities by Human Disease: Cancer | Cardiovascular
Disease | Endocrine
Disorders |
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The endocrine system is a complex integrated series of specialized cells which form secretory products (hormones) which distribute through the circulation and participate in an intercellular chemical communication network. Along with the nervous system, the endocrine system coordinates many of the activities of cells and tissues, particularly those related to growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Because of the importance of these processes, it is not surprisingly that human disease is associated with defects in each of the endocrine signaling pathways. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes have critical links to endocrine dyfunction and are leading causes of disease-related death and disability in the U.S. The linkage between endocrine dysfunction and disease is the focus of several research projects within laboratories faculty in the Pathways of Human Disease cluster. Faculty investigating endocrine disorders: Di Chen |
Metabolic disorders: Leptin deficiency (right) results in obesity and insulin resistance. Compare with lean animal shown on left. |
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Obesity is responsible for rising rates of type 2 diabetes among adults and children. An important clinical question and research objective is to define the mechanism by which cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF alpha) and immune cells in the liver (Kupffer cells) alter insulin responsiveness in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients. Fat tissue-derived inflammatory cytokines contribute to insulin resistance in the liver. Illustration courtesy of Dr. Robert Mooney. |