Grant: Operating Grant

Mammalian cells are designed to respond to infection by pathogens by activating key proteins that regulate the expression of immune genes involved in battling the pathogen. However, activating these immune genes at inappropriate times can have serious consequences on normal development and growth of the organism. Activation of these genes must be tightly regulated. We are studying one of these proteins, termed interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and we have identified a key region of this protein that appears to be involved in shutting off its activity. Importantly, recent work has shown that IRF3 is also involved in the development of fat cells in the body, and mis-regulation of this protein can lead to altered fat cell function, including insulin resistance (which leads to type 2 diabetes). We now propose to study the function, and dysfunction, of IRF3 during cell growth and development. Our studies will provide novel insight into certain pathological states such as obesity and diabetes.