{"id":61,"date":"2014-08-28T15:08:27","date_gmt":"2014-08-28T15:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2014\/?p=61"},"modified":"2014-11-18T22:36:44","modified_gmt":"2014-11-18T22:36:44","slug":"new-research-center-targets-obesity-at-molecular-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2014\/new-research-center-targets-obesity-at-molecular-level\/","title":{"rendered":"New Research Center Targets Obesity at Molecular Level"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding obesity at the molecular level is a crucial first step toward curbing this national epidemic. That\u2019s the ultimate goal for scientists in UNL\u2019s newest research center.<\/p>\n

Leveraging strengths in nutrition and health research, UNL established the Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules, or NPOD, in 2014. An $11.3 million, five-year grant funds this National Institutes of Health Center of Biomedical Research Excellence.<\/p>\n

The long-term aim is for the center to become a leader in nutrient signaling and prevention of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, said center director Janos Zempleni, Willa Cather Professor of Molecular Nutrition.<\/p>\n

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Janos Zempleni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Doctoral student Daniel Teixeira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThis combined focus makes NPOD unique in the U.S. and globally,\u201d he said. \u201cThrough this center, we\u2019ll develop science-based strategies using dietary compounds to improve human health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nutrient signaling research explores how nutrients initiate biochemical chain reactions that cause a cellular response, including fat storage and disease-causing inflammation. Many nutrient-dependent signaling pathways await discovery and are promising targets for consumer-friendly, cost-effective methods to prevent and treat obesity-related diseases, Zempleni said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough this center, we\u2019ll develop science-based strategies using dietary compounds to improve human health.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For example, researchers are studying how certain dietary fatty acids activate molecular pathways that turn fat-storing white cells into beige fat cells, which burn calories. Others are investigating how good fatty acids prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and how diet contributes to gut microbial flora, which, in turn, inhibit inflammation.<\/p>\n

The University of Nebraska Medical Center collaborates on the center, which aims to establish a community of nationally recognized researchers in nutrition, genetics, biochemistry, food science, immunology and computer science. To build research expertise, experienced faculty will mentor early career scientists. The center also is developing a research core facility in molecular biology, bioinformatics and biostatistics.<\/p>\n

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