Projects / Programmes
Genes, hormones and personality changes in metabolic disorders
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.07.00 |
Medical sciences |
Metabolic and hormonal disorders |
|
| 1.09.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Pharmacy |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B480 |
Biomedical sciences |
Endocrinology, secreting systems, diabetology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.02 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Clinical medicine |
Key words: genetics, epigenetics, osteoporosis, bone pathology, diabetes type2, diabetes type1, PCOS, insulin resistance
Researchers (30)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Our programme is based on activities and achievements in the last two decades in the field of chronic metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis and bone metabolism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes type 2 (and to a lesser degree type 1) and insulin resistance as a common component of the last two disorders. The majority of our activities will be further research in the directions where we already have results or are trying to get answers on new questions that appeared as a consequence of our results. We will proceed with adding insight in connections between new polymorphisms and bone mineral density (BMD), adding new dependent variables such as fracture risk calculations and indirect estimations of bone microarchitecture (trabecular bone score – TBS). A new topic will be epigenetic research in bone pathology. We intend to broaden our “bone” research to metastatic bone disease and chondrocyte pathology. A connection between bone field and diabetes will be another research topic: messengers in feed-back loops between bone and energy metabolism (cytokines, adipocytokins). Another research topic will be the link between type 1 diabetes and PCOS. In the field of PCOS new therapies with ovary as therapeutic target are planned.
Significance for science
The background of several bone and metabolic disorders is nowadays widely studied, but still poorly understood. In the development of these diseases, several mechanisms are involved and many of them are still not discovered and understood. By studying and explaining the development of the disease, potential new diagnostic and therapeutic targets are being discovered. On the basis of new insights into disease mechanisms, new diagnostic tests could be developed, possibly providing a better, patient-friendlier and more reliable diagnostic and prognostic tool. Additionally, proteins in the signaling pathways could also be used as new therapeutic targets for the development of new active substances. Functionally and clinically relevant miRNAs would represent novel therapeutic targets for the development of new efficient and safe medicines for the treatment.
Significance for the country
Publications in renowned SCI journals, resulting from our research, have many citations in scientific literature, proving the quality of our work and its world-wide recognition. Many doctors and young researchers produce their Ph thesis under the auspices of our programme group. By collaborating with research groups abroad we contribute to the fact that Slovenian research is recognized among the scientists world-wide.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
