Abstract
The cluster of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus is a polygenic multifactorial condition in which the phenotype is the net result of the interaction between environmental factors and genetic predisposition. The recently characterized endocannabinoid system is thought to be involved in modulation of energy balance, lipid and glucose metabolism. A key role in this system is played by the cannabinoids receptors CB1, located in the brain, muscle, liver, adipocite, beta pancreatic cell.
The present project focuses on a topic of interest to molecular, cell biology and genomics, from a new perspective on the knowledge of endocannabinoid system role in the pathophysiology of metabolic phenotype, with particular emphasis on the role of CNR1 polymorphism in modulating these effects.
Aims:
-evaluate the correlation of CNR1 gene polymorphisms–1359G>A, 23866A>C, 10908G>A, 3813A>G, 4894A>G with metabolic phenotype and pancreatic insuliosecretory function.
-evaluate the relationship between these polymorphisms and the adiponectin and leptin levels.
-to scan a 1000 bp region from the CNR1 gene sequence for identification of new polymorphisms.
-evaluate the corelation of the new polymorphism with metabolic phenotype and insulinsecretion.
The evidence of the correlation between CNR1 polymorphisms and metabolic phenotype has a great importance because CNR1 polymorphisms can represent new markers of the metabolic phenotype and can be used in the screening of persons with high risk.
The identification of CNR1 polymorphisms associated to the metabolic phenotype will offer new targets in the pharmacological intervention on obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.
Project Manager: Prof. Univ. Dr. Maria Mota
Contract no. 234/01.10.2007
Duration: 36 months
Total amount: 1 000 000 RON
