Qiong Annabel Wang, PhD
Associate Professor
City of Hope
Featured in the Session: Is Obesity Accelerated Aging? A Physiologic Perspective
When
12:00 a.m.
at 8:00 a.m.
Where
245 (Level 2)
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
What is your presentation about?
Both white and thermogenic adipose (fat) tissues undergo significant remodeling during aging, leading to age-related adiposity and cold sensitivity. My presentation will cover our recent studies on 1) the discovery of a new adipose progenitor population that is generated specifically during middle age, which largely contributes to age-related white adipose tissue expansion; 2) a new neuronal-immune mechanism regulating thermogenic adipocyte heterogeneity and its dysfunction causing aging-associated cold intolerance.
How do you hope your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
Aging is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This work shows that distinct adipose (fat) depots age differently and uniquely contribute to the development of age-related metabolic disorders, which are directly linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
I have studied metabolic diseases for over 20 years, starting with my PhD work focused on identifying new therapeutic targets for fatty liver disease.