Naima Moustaid-Moussa
Professor
Departments of Animal Science
& UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology
Co-Director, University of Tennessee Obesity Research Center
Education:
M.S. Cell Biology and Animal Physiology
Ph.D. Endocrinology; University of Paris, France
Postdoc: Molecular Nutrition; Harvard School of Public Health
Research Area:
Adipocyte Biology, Endocrinology and Adipokines; The Renin Angiotensin System; Obesity-Diabetes-Insulin resistance-Hypertension; Genomics and Proteomics; Nutrient-Gene Interactions.
Research Description:
We are interested in elucidating the mechanisms by which adipose tissue contributes to obesity and associated-co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. We are primarily studying the paracrine and endocrine functions of mouse and human adipose tissue-secreted proteins. We are investigating the effects of nutrients, hormones and disease state on fat cell development, gene expression and metabolism. One major research focus in our lab has been to understand the physiological function and regulation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). RAS components include the precursor protein angiotensinogen (Agt) from which angiotensin II (Ang II), the major bioactive hormones in this system is generated via 2 enzymatic cleavages of Agt (by renin and angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE). Angiotensin is a hypertensive hormone that we discovered to be produced by fat cells and that promotes fat storage in a glucose-dependent and insulin-like manner. The discovery of Angiotensin II in fat cells suggests a potential role of fat cells in obesity-associated hypertension. We are using engineered mice models of overexpression or targeted inactivation of RAS to further dissect this relationship and its modulation by diet, hormones and disease states. Our lab is applying genetics, genomics and proteomics applications to better understand the global function of adipocytes and its regulation by nutrients, hormones in obesity, diabetes, hypertension.
Recent collaborative efforts include screening for aging phenotypes in ENU mutant mice generated within the Tennessee Mouse Genome Consortium, funded by NIH (NIA). Ongoing collaborations with Dr. Brynn Voy at ORNL investigate gene-environement interactions using unique recombinant inbred strains (BXD and CC). Current Collaborations include multidisciplinary studies of obesity and use of farm animals in obesity research.
Contact Information:
Department of Animal Science
2640 Morgan Circle
201L McCord Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-4588
Phone: 865-974-6255
Fax: 865-974-9043
E-mail: moustaid@utk.edu