Obesity and associated metabolic disorders remain among the largest healthcare challenges worldwide. Adipose tissue is increasingly recognized as a critical regulator of whole-body metabolism, not only through energy storage but also through its role in controlling energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and inter-organ communication. Improving adipocyte health and promoting beneficial metabolic adaptations represent promising therapeutic strategies for treating obesity and its related complications.
In this master’s thesis project, you will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which novel metabolic regulators influence adipocyte biology and thermogenic programs. The work will focus on understanding how these pathways affect metabolic signalling, mitochondrial function, energy expenditure, and cellular responses associated with improved metabolic health.
You will gain hands-on experience with a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, gene and protein expression analyses, immunostaining, high-content imaging, and functional assays, while investigating the biological mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial function and adipocyte physiology. The project may also involve transcriptomic, proteomic, and other systems-level analyses to provide broader mechanistic understanding.
Throughout the project, you will learn how to design and execute experiments, analyze complex biological datasets, and interpret findings in the context of metabolic disease biology and drug discovery. You will gain insight into how fundamental biological discoveries are translated into potential therapeutic opportunities.