This is a research career development award that provides funding for 3 years. Suraj has previously found that Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) plays an essential role in obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mice deficient in IRF3 (IRF3KO) are protected against steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance induced by high fat diet. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of IRF3KO and wild-type mice on HFD revealed two candidate IRF3 target genes, Isg15 and Srebf1, mediating IRF3-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. The aims of this project are to identify the hepatic cell type(s) responsible for IRF3-mediated steatosis and IR in NAFLD, and define the role of ISG15 and SREBP1 in promoting IRF3-induced metabolic dysfunction.
Congratulations on the grant Suraj!