ENDOCANNABINOIDS MODULATE MACROPHAGE INFLAMMATORY PHENOTYPE AND LIPOLYSIS IN PERIPARTURIENT DAIRY COWS� ADIPOSE TISSUES

The primary goal of this project is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which endogenous signaling molecules known as endocannabinoids regulate metabolism and inflammation in the fat of dairy cows. By better understanding these fundamental processes, this project aims to provide insight that may be applied to improve the health, welfare, and productivity of dairy cows and promote dairy industry sustainability and food security. This project will provide comprehensive research training to the PD in advanced molecular biological techniques, data analysis, and scientific communications. The specific objectives of this project consist of: Research objectives1. Investigate the relationships between cannabinoid receptor activation and mononuclear cell proliferation, activation, and regulation of lipolysisDetermine how cannabinoid receptor activation modulates the proliferation and activation of cultured mononuclear cellsAssess the role of cannabinoid receptor signaling on mononuclear cells' capacity to regulate lipolysis in adipocytes2. Characterize the relationships between mononuclear cell abundance, phenotype, and endocannabinoid system component distribution in the adipose tissue of periparturient cowsDetermine how the abundance and phenotype of mononuclear cells change in cows' adipose tissues throughout the periparturient periodEvaluate how the distribution of endocannabinoid system components within adipose tissue relates to mononuclear cell abundance and phenotypeTraining objectives1. Technical skill developmentDevelop expertise in monocyte and adipocyte culture and functional assays to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system on cell proliferation, inflammatory phenotype, and lipolysisProvide hands-on training in advanced molecular biological techniques including gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, sm-FISH), cell morphology and surface marker expression quantitation (flow cytometry), lipidomic and proteomic analyses, capillary electrophoresis, and immunohistochemistry2. Data analysisGain proficiency in bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis software for analyzing gene expression data, protein expression, image analysis, and cell phenotyping resultsIntegrate and interpret complex datasets to draw accurate and meaningful biological conclusions3. Scientific communicationAdvance the ability to communicate scientific findings through the preparation of research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedingsProvide opportunities to generate figures and graphics and present research findings at scientific conferences, departmental seminars, and stakeholder outreach eventsPromote mentorship and leadership skills through training of undergraduate and graduate research students and attendance of workshops and seminars