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Research Lab Overview

The Qiong (Annabel) Wang Lab studies the development of fat cells — in particular the ones that make up white adipose tissue, sometimes called “bad fat.”

This tissue, which constitutes most of the fat in the body, has some important functions beyond storing energy; it also helps manage hormones and insulate the body from cold. However, in excess it is harmful, contributing to obesity and metabolic syndrome, a harmful cluster of symptoms including hypertension, low levels of “good” cholesterol and high blood sugar.

We seek to understand how stem cells are driven to turn into fat cells. As we learn more, we may be able to manipulate the development and function of white adipose cells to disrupt fat formation, potentially fighting obesity and metabolic syndrome, as well as the numerous diseases associated with them, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and breast cancer.

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Principal Investigator: Qiong (Annabel) Wang, Ph.D.

An Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology, Qiong (Annabel) Wang conducts research that focuses on pathogenesis and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic syndromes.

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