Identification of New Candidate Genes for Insulin Sensitivity and Insulin Resistance in the Berlin Fat Mouse

Insulin resistance is the reduced responsiveness of cells and tissues to insulin and can ultimately proceed to type 2 diabetes. The aim of the proposed project is to further clarify the genetic causes for insulin resistance as well as the maintenance of high insulin sensitivity. In particular genes are to be identified contributing to insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, their function and their site and mode of action in the organism will be scrutinized. For the investigation different BFMI inbred lines (Berliner Fettmaus Inzuchtstamm) will be used which exhibited insulin resistance as well as insulin sensitivity. The project will contain classical crossing experiments with expression analysis of RNA and proteins. By the combination of genetics and functional analysis this project will add to the profound understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.