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A novel G protein-coupled receptor target for metabolic syndrome

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Project Description

Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The risk factors for metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, high blood sugar (insulin resistance), excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol: obesity is a key driving force. Metabolic syndrome is a global health problem and the associated wider costs to the NHS are estimated to reach over 50 billion/year by 2050. Given the prevalence, complexity and associated costs of metabolic syndrome, in addition to preventative approaches, understanding key regulators and uncovering new drug targets is essential. G protein coupled receptors are a family of proteins on the surface of cells that regulate numerous functions throughout the body and are the targets for >30% of approved drugs. Our lab is interested in one particular G protein-coupled receptor, namely GPR75, which we have seen is increased with diabetes, and that GPR75 deficiency is associated with lower body weight and fat mass. We intend to uncover the role of GPR75 in metabolic syndrome by investigating its functional significance in obesity-induced diabetes and high blood pressure. We believe that the proposed research, which provides an exciting opportunity to bring together the expertise of researchers from the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre and Robert Gordon University, will highlight GPR75 is a novel drug target for metabolic syndrome.

A project lead by University of Aberdeen

Status Project Complete
Funder(s) Tenovus Scotland
Value £1,990.00
Project Dates Sep 1, 2020 - Feb 28, 2022

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