Delineating the role of the Farnesoid X receptor in alleviating obesity following gastric bypass

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is an emerging therapeutic target in obesity due to its pleiotropic effects on adipose tissue homeostasis including effects on inflammation, glucose homeostasis and enhanced thermogenic potential of white adipose tissue. Recently FXR signalling has been identified as an important in underpinning the beneficial effects of weight-loss surgery. However, there have been few studies in delineating the mechanisms by which these effects are brought about. This project will investigate how FXR regulates adipose tissue function and will employ techniques including cell culture, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISAs and immunohistochemistry to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved.