Research Interests
The Zwerschke laboratory aims to better understand the importance of adipose tissue in obesity and aging.
Projects:
Biology of adipose stem/progenitor cells (ASC): A main emphasis is to study molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation, quiescence, differentiation and senescence in adipose stem and progenitor cells. Moreover, we search for novel molecular markers to better characterize the different adult stem and progenitor cell types within the adipogenic lineage.
Metabolic signalling: We study the role of metabolic signal transduction systems (insulin, IGF-1, mTOR, AMPK, other pathways) in the regulation of ASC and adipocytes.
Impact of obesity and weight-loss on adipose tissue: The group studies the impact of obesity and weight-loss (caloric restriction and metabolic surgery) target genes on ASC and adipocytes. Moreover, we work on weight-loss mimetic.
Techniques: To address our research questions, we use genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics technologies, modern techniques of molecular and cell biology including RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, FACS and up-to-date imaging technologies. We work with primary human cells ex vivo and in cell culture. Moreover, we use organoid technologies and genetic animal models.
Keywords: Adipose Tissue Biology, Adipose Stem and Progenitor Cells, Adipocytes, Cell Differentiation, Cellular Senescence, Obesity, Caloric Restriction, Cancer
