Project R-13647

Adipose tissue-brain crosstalk in obesity: Does extracellular vesicle release by inflamed adipose tissue trigger blood brain barrier disruption? (Research)

Obesity is a common health condition that leads to a chronic inflammatory state in adipose tissue (AT). Next to other metabolic disturbances, obesity is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, including the neuro-inflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). The link between obesity and MS is not understood, but inflammatory processes in AT are likely to be involved. Since inter-organ crosstalk is often mediated via extracellular vesicles (EVs), we hypothesize that AT inflammation triggers neuro-inflammation through EV release. In this project, we provide an in-depth characterization of human ATderived EV release, we provide first identification of human ATderived EV-mediated blood-brain barrier impairment in vitro, and we establish the mechanistic link between obese AT and neuroinflammation using intricate murine models. Obtained results will be novel, highly informative, and will provide a breakthrough in uncovering the mechanistic link between obesity and MS.

01 January 2023 - 31 December 2026