NCR97: Regulation of Adipose Tissue Accretion in Meat Animals

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

NCR97: Regulation of Adipose Tissue Accretion in Meat Animals

Duration: 10/01/1999 to 09/30/2004

Administrative Advisor(s):

James E. Kinder

NIFA Reps:

Larry Miller

Non-Technical Summary

Statement of Issues and Justification

Objectives

The major emphasis of NCR-97 is communication, cooperation and development of collaborative projects specifically designed to modify the accretion and composition of adipose tissue in meat-bearing animals. Ultimately, changes in carcass fat and its composition will be accomplished by manipulations of the genes that regulate adipogenesis and fat deposition. These include genes that encode: a) Cell-surface receptors, such as the B-adrenergic and adenosine receptors; b) Regulators of adipocyte proliferation, such as the C/EBP and PPAR families of proteins; c) Fatty acid modification, including fatty acid desaturases and elongases; d) Cell-surface antigens.
Other research projects are emphasizing the whole-animal and cellular basis for the effects of specific fatty acids on adiposity. Specifically, several investigators have ongoing projects designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which conjugated linoleic acid decreases adipose tissue accretion. A primary objective of NCR-97 is to ensure a minimum of duplication of efforts, while fostering open dialogue about research findings that typically are not yet in a form suitable for publication. The meeting also provides an effective forum for exposure of senior graduate students and postdoctoral research associates to established investigators working in growth and development of meat animals. Because one to two industry representatives attend each year, the meeting provides an opportunity for input from, and interaction with, a wide variety of industry groups.

Procedures and Activities

Expected Outcomes and Impacts

Projected Participation

View Appendix E: Participation

Educational Plan

Organization/Governance

Literature Cited

Attachments

Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, MS, NC, NE, NH, TX, WY

Non Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

ARS, Baylor College of Medicine, Multistate Research Office, National Pork Producers Council, Des Moines, Iowa, National Taiwan University, NIH, Pfizer Animal Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Texas - Austin, USDA