Research summary
Obesity and diabetes affect millions of Canadians—and rates have risen steadily over the past 25 years. As Canada Research Chair in Adipocyte Development, Dr. Gareth Lim is researching a protein that could play a role in the development of these health issues.
Adipocytes are specialized cells in body fat that help regulate our metabolism. Lim has already discovered that the 14-3-3zeta protein plays a critical role in the development and function of adipocytes, which suggests that the protein could be a potential drug target for obesity and diabetes.
Now, he and his research team are examining how this protein contributes to metabolism and the body’s ability to regulate and maintain a stable blood sugar level. Ultimately, their work may contribute to the development of a drug that could slow or stop the development of obesity and diabetes.