Purinergic crosstalk in thermogenic fat – Regulation of adenosine release by ENT1 (P11)

• Subject Area: Pharmacology ; Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450149205

Adenosine is a potent activator of brown adipocytes, but nothing is known how adenosine levels are regulated in thermogenic fat. Here, we will study the role of the highly expressed equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) for thermogenic adipocytes and for whole-body metabolism. Our preliminary data indicate that ENT1 plays a major role for extracellular adenosine levels in brown adipocytes. Moreover, we will study how human ENT1 mutations affect extracellular adenosine levels. Additionally, we will scrutinize the contribution of non-adipocytes (e.g. endothelial cells, macrophages) present in thermogenic fat to overall adenosine content.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 333: Brown and Beige Fat – Organ Crosstalk, Signaling and Energetics (BATenergy)
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Heads: Dr. Thorsten Gnad, until 5/2023; Professor Dr. Alexander Pfeifer