PDE3B in human metabolism

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Role of Phosphodiesterase 3B in the Regulation of Human Adipose Tissue Biology and Systemic Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis

  • IRAS ID

    343566

  • Contact name

    Maria Chondronikola

  • Contact email

    mc2425@medschl.cam.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) is a protein that plays a role in how cells handle nutrients (i.e. glucose and fats). We have recently found that people who have a gene variant (i.e., a change in their DNA) that reduces the function of the PDE3B protein may be protected from the development of diabetes and heart disease. However, it is unclear how this happens.

    The aims of this study are to examine:
    • What is the role of PDE3B in fat tissue function?
    • How does PDE3B influence the way one’s body handles blood sugars and lipids?

    To this end, we propose to study people who have a variant that reduces the function of that PDE3B and an equal number of people with the typical genotype.

    Participants will be asked to attend two visits:
    • a 5-h screening visit: involving a medical examination, blood tests before/after drinking a sugary drink and assessment of lifestyle (physical activity/sleep/diet) using questionnaires and smartwatch.
    • a 24-h metabolic testing visit (only for eligible participants): involving an infusion of insulin and collection of blood samples and fat tissue from the lower tummy.

    These investigations will provide us with a great opportunity to study how people with or without the variant handle fat, sugars and lipids in their bodies. They will also help us understand the role of PDE3B in humans and possibly develop new ways to prevent or fight conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

  • REC name

    East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/EE/0183

  • Date of REC Opinion

    7 Nov 2024

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion