Professor of Medicine
Dr. Bergman’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind muscle insulin resistance, the development of steatotic liver disease, and tissue-to-tissue communication by analyzing human tissue samples across a wide range of metabolic health. In addition to conducting clinical research interventions with deep phenotyping and tissue sampling, Dr. Bergman collaborates with the University’s minimally invasive surgical team to obtain hard-to-access tissue samples during laparoscopic procedures. His lab also investigates mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction using cell culture, identifying potential therapeutic targets that cannot be studied directly in human trials. A major focus of his work is how adipose tissue in skeletal muscle as well as lipid storage within skeletal muscle reduces insulin sensitivity, as well as the role of adipose tissue signaling in regulating the function of nearby and distant tissues. Dr. Bergman has received continuous NIH funding for 18 years, currently holding three active R01 grants and collaborations with industry partners.
Dr. Bergman is also the director of the Molecular and Cellular Analysis core for the Nutrition and Obesity Research Center, and his lab runs a “Lipidomics and Mass Spetrometry core” that is directed by Dr. Karin Zemski Berry.
This project is a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Co to uncover novel proteins secreted by IMAT that decrease muscle insulin sensitivity in vitro and in animal models. The goal is to develop novel therapeutic targets to antagonize IMAT signaling that promotes decreased muscle insulin sensitivity.
The Bergman lab has 2 NIH R01 grants to evaluate how weight loss (R01DK134706) and exercise training (R01AG 077956) impacts the cellular composition of IMAT, as well as the potency of the IMAT secretome to decrease muscle insulin sensitivity and promote sarcopenia.
| Bergman Lab Personnel | |
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Sophia Bowen Professional Research Assistant |
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Chris Johnson Senior Professional Research Assistant |
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Puujee Jambal Professional Research Assistant
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Charis Uhlson Senior Professional Research Assistant |
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Simona Zarini, PhD Senior Instructor |
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Karin Zemski Berry, PhD Senior Instructor |
