Lecture 3: Balancing the Fat Equation
by Ronald M. Evans, Ph.D.
Play Lecture Three in Full
Introduction by HHMI President Dr. Thomas Cech
Introductory interview with Dr. Ronald Evans
Review of Lecture Two and a look at models of fat and muscle
Fat molecule can act as a hormone
Two types of hormone action: At the membrane and at the nucleus
Examples of nuclear hormone receptors
PPAR receptors act as nuclear fat sensors
Functions of PPAR-gamma
Animation: PPAR-gamma activation in the fat cell
Fat tissue in an obese person has an imbalance of hormones
PPAR-gamma can restore hormonal balance and reverse insulin resistance
Q&A: Is there any advantage to storing fat in one area?
Q&A: Can you use PPAR-gamma to cure diabetes?
Q&A: Can you develop a tolerance to the PPAR-gamma-activating drug?
Q&A: Does saturated fat not bind to PPARs?
The U.S. is three billion pounds overweight
Science may be able to change appetite and energy expenditure
Can we use PPAR-delta to increase metabolism?
Two types of muscle fibers: Fast twitch and slow twitch
Animation: PPAR-delta activation in the muscle cell
Increasing PPAR-delta activity increases the number of slow-twitch fibers
Can revving up PPAR-delta cause a mouse to run better?
Video: PPAR-delta mouse on a treadmill
PPAR-delta mouse is a remarkable example of an engineered runner
PPAR-delta protects against obesity even without special exercise
Are you ready for the future?
Q&A: Are people more sensitive to insulin after exercise?
Q&A: Are there side effects from the PPAR-delta drug under development?
Q&A: How long does it take for the PPAR-delta drug to take effect?
Q&A: Can you affect the repressor proteins of the PPAR system?
Closing remarks by HHMI President Dr. Thomas Cech