Overview
Principal Investigator: Assistant Professor Zhiyong Cheng, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Florida
Department: Human Nutrition
My Commitment
Lab Assistant Volunteer August 2023 - December 2023
Learn and execute fundamental lab procedures
Emerging Scholars Program January 2024 - current
Lab Assistant
Complete lab assistant procedures including genotyping, protein analysis, and cell culture for 9 hours per week during the 2024 Spring and Fall semesters
Symposium Presenter
Presented research lab project at Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium on November 13th
UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Research Internship August 2024 - current
Lab Assistant
Complete lab assistant responsibilities for a minimum of 240 hours during this period
Project Summary
Adipose tissue is increasingly recognized as an endocrine organ because of the functions of secreting cytokines or hormones (e.g., leptin and adiponectin) that regulate whole body metabolism. However, the molecular and cellular aspects of adipose functions remain largely undefined. This research project uses cultured fat cells (in vitro model) and laboratory mice (in vivo models) to examine how nutrients regulate the fat cell development and function. The methods include quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting analysis, and oil red O staining. Understanding the molecular mechanism of adipose development may lead to the discovery of new target to prevent adipose dysfunctions preceding obesity and improve systemic health.