Our research is focused on the transcriptional pathways that underlie metabolic diseases like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. In particular, we have a longstanding interest in using genomic and epigenomic approaches to identify novel transcription factors and pathways that regulate processes such as adipogenesis, lipid handling, insulin resistance, and metabolic memory. Our ultimate goal is to define novel targets that can be manipulated to improve outcomes in metabolic disease.
Jessica Felix is a new post-doc in the Rosen lab. Jessica did her graduate work in Sean Hartig’s lab at Baylor College of Medicine, where she did outstanding work to identify N-acetylaspartate as an adipocyte-derived metabolite that regulates body temperature (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40702167/). Welcome, Jessica!
The Rosen Lab is bidding a fond farewell to Greg Westcott and Winnie Zhang as 2025 draws to a close.
Greg’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our knowledge on lymphedema, while Winnie’s tenacity have been the driving force in bringing the IRS1 project to a successful completion. It has been a privilege to work alongside them. As they move into the industry sector, we know they will continue to do great things. We wish you the very best!
Please check out the new paper from the Rosen lab (working in collaboration with Randy Seeley’s group at the University of Michigan) about changes in adipose tissue after two different weight loss strategies in mice. Margo Emont compared white adipose tissue from obese mice that received either vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or semaglutide. Some important changes in gene expression and cellular composition were conserved across weight loss interventions, while others were specific to either semaglutide or VSG. Margo also found that some gene expression programs in adipocytes reverted to a chow-like state after weight loss, while others remained “locked” in the obese pattern. link
Greg’s latest paper is available on BioRxiv. Using unique intra-patient controls, he shows that the adipose tissue of chronic lymphedema has a different complement of adipose stromal and progenitor cells (ASPCs), which confer a more pro-adipogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic environment. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.18.638907v1
Congratulations to Margo Emont on starting her own lab at the University of Chicago! Margo is now an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of the Biological Sciences. Best wishes for this exciting new chapter, Margo!
We are excited to welcome Anne Goergen to the Rosen Lab. Anne joins us from the University of Zurich, where she investigated the role of cellular stress responses in liver and their impact on body weight regulation. Welcome, Anne!
