Research Programs

Adipocyte Progenitor Cell Niches

Adipose tissue growth and remodeling depend on specialized progenitor cells that generate new adipocytes throughout life. Our research investigates how local tissue environments regulate progenitor cell behavior and determine the capacity of adipose tissue to adapt to physiological demand. Using genetic lineage-tracing approaches and mouse models, we study how vascular niches preserve progenitor competence and coordinate healthy tissue remodeling during development, aging, and metabolic stress.

A major focus of our current work is defining the cellular progression through which adipocyte progenitors generate new adipocytes. We are particularly interested in understanding whether distinct progenitor populations contribute to adipose tissue growth under normal physiology, obesity, and across the sexes, and how these developmental pathways influence long-term tissue adaptability.

Aging and Adaptive Remodeling

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in adipose tissue plasticity and a reduced capacity to mount adaptive thermogenic responses. Our research seeks to understand why adipose tissue loses this adaptability and how alterations in stromal, immune, and progenitor cell communication contribute to functional decline. By identifying the mechanisms that preserve tissue responsiveness, we aim to better understand how metabolic resilience is maintained across the lifespan.

A major focus of our current work is understanding how environmental factors influence adipose tissue aging. We are investigating how long-term exposure to different thermal environments alters adipose tissue plasticity and reshapes communication between progenitor, stromal, and immune cell populations. These studies seek to identify the cellular networks that preserve thermogenic remodeling and determine how age-associated changes in tissue signaling contribute to the loss of adaptive capacity.

Progenitor Cell Competence and Lineage Determination

The ability of adipose tissue to remodel depends on progenitor cells that generate new adipocytes and support tissue maintenance. Our research focuses on how these progenitor populations maintain competence, respond to environmental signals, and make lineage decisions during tissue growth and remodeling. We are particularly interested in understanding why progenitor function declines during aging and obesity and how alterations in progenitor competence contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction.

Aging, Obesity, and Loss of Metabolic Resilience

Aging and obesity are associated with a progressive decline in the ability of tissues to respond appropriately to physiological stress. This loss of adaptive capacity contributes to metabolic dysfunction and increased disease susceptibility. Our research seeks to understand the mechanisms that drive this decline in metabolic resilience and to determine why some tissues remain responsive while others become functionally impaired. These studies provide insight into how adaptive capacity is maintained across the lifespan and why it ultimately fails.

Tissue Niche Communication and Regenerative Capacity

Cells function within local tissue environments that integrate signals from progenitor, stromal, immune, and vascular populations. These niches regulate tissue maintenance, remodeling, and regenerative responses to stress. Our research focuses on how niche communication preserves tissue competence and how alterations in these signaling networks constrain adaptive remodeling during aging and metabolic disease. Understanding how tissues maintain regenerative capacity may reveal fundamental principles governing long-term metabolic health.