PROJECT SUMMARY
The developmental origins of obesity begin in utero with growth and differentiation of adipose tissue. Fetal
white adipose tissue accretion is highly variable and dependent on the maternal intrauterine environment.
Unlike white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has a high capacity for thermogenesis. BAT is
present at birth and it is believed to support the critical function of thermoregulation in early postnatal life.
Therefore, BAT may also influence the development of neonatal energy balance. Similar to white adipose
tissue, it is hypothesized that development of BAT in utero is also influenced by maternal factors such
as prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain. The overall research aims of this mentored F32
fellowship are to 1) identify maternal and neonatal factors that contribute to neonatal BAT and 2) to identify
changes in neonatal BAT and to energy expenditure in response to a mild cold exposure. These aims will be
accomplished by leveraging the NIH funded clinical trial of Dr. Leanne Redman (primary mentor) Healthy
Mamas (R01DK124806). The long-term goal of the candidate is to develop an independent research program
that focuses on the developmental origins of energy balance. To achieve this goal, the primary training
objectives are to: 1) develop skills in clinical trial management and data collection for neonates and
grantsmanship, 2) acquire theoretical and practical expertise in brown adipose tissue identification (anatomy)
and activation (physiology) methodology, and, 3) acquire didactic and hands-on training in the physiology,
clinical assessment, and interpretation of human energy expenditure. The research and training will take place
at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, an exceptional research environment that offers endless
opportunities and will be sponsored by world leaders in the field of energy balance: Drs. Leanne Redman
(maternal energy balance), Eric Ravussin (energy expenditure), and Denis Blondin (BAT). Successful
completion of this proposal will result in several first-authored publications and will generate a wealth of
preliminary data for a competitive K01 application. This F32 proposal will not only serve as a valuable training
opportunity to incorporate a balance of didactic, hands-on, and mentor directed learning, but also a novel and
meaningful scientific contribution. This proposed fellowship provides the candidate with the opportunity to
begin training as a developmental energy balance researcher and to launch an independent academic career.