The Role of Airborne PCBs in Adipogenesis, Adipose Function, and Metabolic Syndrome

Goal

Determine how airborne PCBs affect the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents

MetS is a cluster of conditions that includes obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type II diabetes.

Objective

Demonstrate that airborne PCBs and their metabolites contribute to the development of MetS via a mechanism that involves the disruption of adipogenesis and adipocyte endocrine function

Aims

1) Elucidate the functional consequences of airborne PCB exposure on adipogenesis and adipocyte function.

2) Develop a human adipose-liver biomimetic on-chip that allows for facile and accurate testing of the effects of environmental toxicants on adipose function.

3) Determine how airborne PCBs affect adiposity and metabolism.