Nakamura Research Lab
Our lab’s primary interest is the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We are specifically interested in molecular mechanisms by which alternations in cellular and circulating RNA networks disrupt systemic glucose and lipid metabolism in the development and progression of these diseases. We have established a variety of mouse and cell culture models to study glucose and lipid metabolism, and miRNA-regulatory machinery in the pathogenesis of obesity. Our goal is to find novel therapeutic approaches targeting RNA networks for treating such diseases.
Our Research interests include:
- Analyzing roles of hepatic miRNA regulatory machinery in the regulation of metabolism in obesity
- Determining endogenous pathogenic dsRNA pathways in chronic inflammation
- Identifying mitochondrial RNA regulating glucose and lipid metabolism
- Investigating circulating RNA that impacts systemic glucose metabolism
