Project Number: 5450-51000-047-01
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Apr 01, 2012
End Date: Mar 31, 2013

Objective:
The major purpose of this symposium is to enhance the visibility of the importance of research conducted at ARS by 1) fostering ARS objectives of providing a forum for the cutting edge reasearch presented by prominent scientists and to have symposium participants meet, network and exchange ideas with other leading investigators in their field, and 2) by showcasing the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) strategic goal "No. 5.2.2: Define the role of nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in growth, maintenance of health, and prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases". The goal of this symposium is to provide a forum for the discussion of how oxidant signaling is altered in adipose tissue as a result of obesity. Recent data indicate that adipose dysfunction in obesity involves interactions between inflammatory pathways and reactive oxygen signaling. While numerous studies indicate that oxidant stress is elevated overall in the body as a result of obesity, there is now only a growing literature detailing the role of oxidant stress and oxidant stress signaling pathways in the regulation and dysfunction of adipose tissue itself. However, there is an incomplete understanding of the relationships of the cell types comprising adipose, their interplay in obesity, and the role oxidant stress that influences these relationships. Furthermore, the inflammatory processes present in obese adipose tissue modulates cellular oxidant stress and responses to oxidant stress. The speakers chosen to present data and to discuss this topic are highly-regarded and have made seminal contributions to the understanding of this area.

Approach:
Two ARS scientists and one cooperator will serve as organizing co-chairs of this symposium. Four invited speakers, who will each present 30 minute oral talks, are highly-regarded and have made seminal contributions to the understanding of this area.