Grant: Operating Grant

Vitamin K is an essential micronutrient known to regulate the activity of proteins implicated in blood coagulation and mineralized tissue functions. Recent clinical observations in humans suggested that partial vitamin K deficiency might be linked to the development of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. In line with these findings, we are interested in uncovering this prospective function of vitamin K in energy metabolism. Our approach includes the use of genetically modified mouse models in which components of the vitamin K cycle are inactivated in specific organs. We will first study the role of vitamin K in pancreatic beta-cells, which are responsible for insulin secretion, and in bone, which has recently been described as an endocrine organ implicated in the control of glucose metabolism. We are also aiming at identifying new vitamin K dependent proteins implicated in energy homeostasis. Altogether, these studies in mice will allow us to understand how vitamin K is implicated in the control of glucose metabolism and how partial vitamin K deficiency contributes to the development of diabetes. Ultimately, the discoveries that will emerged from these studies will eventually result in a better understanding of the physiological functions of bone and pancreatic beta-cells, and potentially to new therapeutic or clinical approaches for metabolic diseases including diabetes.