Erforschung der energiehomöostatischen Rolle von Transthyretin im Kontext von Fettleibigkeit, Diabetes und Metabolischem Syndrom

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Daniel Kraus
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2007 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 33935013

• Final Report Year: 2009

Final Report Abstract

The aim of the current project was to characterize the rôle of transthyretin, the carrier protein of the novel adipokine RBP4, in energy metabolism. Studies with animal models of diabetes and obesity revealed that TTR is unlikely to contribute to the pathogenesis of either of these conditions. Therefore the focus of the project was shifted. A reanalysis of the microarray data from which RBP4 was identified as an adipokine led to the discovery of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). NNMT expression is upregulated in diabetes and obesity. Knockdown of NNMT in liver and fat protects mice from diet-induced obesity and restores glucose homeostasis. Thus, NNMT may by a novel target for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.