Modulation of the S6Ks expression in the central nervous system and their effect in obesity

Abstract

Obesity has been considered a worldwide epidemic. In Brazil, more than half of the population is overweight and obesity values continue to rise. World Health Organization (WHO) data are categorical to assert that obesity is related to a number of diseases, including: Diabetes Mellitus type II, cardiovascular disease, Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis and some types of cancer. Thus, there is currently great demand for a better understanding of the biochemical and metabolic processes related to obesity. The signaling pathway of mTOR protein has been associated with the control of energy balance in the body, working as a sensor of the amount of nutrients available and signaling to the expenditure of the stored energy. The present research project aims to study the role of S6Ks, known effectors of mTOR, in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and its consequences for energy homeostasis. For that, protein expression of the different S6Ks isoforms will be modulated in the CNS to characterize their roles in CNS, as well as their peripheral effects in the body. It is clear the demand to fully investigate the pathway of mTOR/S6Ks due to its importance in metabolic changes, obesity and associated pathologies. Only with complete understanding of the functions of S6Ks, effectors of mTOR pathway, it will be possible to develop safe and effective treatments for those pathologies. (AU)