Understanding the endocrine-disrupting effects of chemicals used in plastics.
Bisphenol A and phthalates are common chemicals used in plastics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the release of Bisphenol A to the environment is higher than 1 million pounds per year whereas the annual global production of phthalates is estimated to be 11 billion pounds. Recent studies have suggested a possible link between Bisphenol A/phthalates and type 2 diabetes. Yet, the mode of action of these chemicals are poorly understood.
Hovedinnhold
Skeletal muscle is an insulin-sensitive tissue that regulates glucose homeostasis and plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes. As part of a NFR financed project TRANSITION, we want to investigate whether bisphenol A and phthalates can disrupt insulin action and glucose homeostasis in intact skeletal muscle.
Primary objectives of this study
- Determine the effects of bisphenol A and phthaltates on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse skeletal muscles.
- Determine the insulin signaling proteins targeted by bisphenol A and phthalates in mouse skeletal muscles.
Techniques/work
- Contribute to establish a research technique using 3H-glucose and 14C-mannitol aimed at assessing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse skeletal muscles.
- Investigate different insulin signaling proteins by gel electrophoresis and western blot.
Requirements and training
- Rigorous and motivated student
- Radiation course (registration before September 10th), see "Strålevern-Ioniserende stråling" in the link here.
Alternatively, internal radiation training will be performed - Course in laboratory animal science. Part 1 September 24th-25th 2014 and Part 2 June 2015. See link here.
Project start
Schedule of this project should be discussed with the Master student.
You can find a downloadable version to the right.
