Recent reports have suggested that altered feeding patterns associated with our “24-hour” lifestyle may contribute to the accumulation of body fat, although the mechanism for this association is not known. Circadian clocks are intrinsically maintained molecular mechanisms that condition the cell to changes in its environment and confer a selective advantage by providing a mechanism for anticipation of change. Work in my laboratory is designed to demonstrate the presence of a fully functional circadian clock within the adipocyte, and to identify the genes and metabolic functions that are regulated by this clock mechanism. Based on studies in our lab in which the timing of macronutrient intake was manipulated in animals, a bolus of energy intake at the end of the waking period is associated with altered metabolism and obesity. Experimental work in my lab involves the investigation of gene expression in rodent obesity models in order to determine how and at what level metabolism is altered by changes in timing of macronutrient intake.
Basic laboratory skills; at least 10 hours availability per week during regular office hours (8a-5p); good organizational skills; prefer more than one year commitment (e.g., junior or younger); responsible and willing to work on weekends.
This project is ongoing.
Animal care; tissue collection; molecular assays
