# Oncostatin M as a mediator of adipose tissue immune balance

> **NIH NIH R03** · LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR · 2021 · $111,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Adipose tissue inflammation directly contributes to the overall inflammatory state in obesity, with leukocytes
being major players in the regulation (or dysregulation) of adipocyte function. The pro-inflammatory cytokine,
oncostatin M (OSM), is produced by adipose tissue mast cells, macrophages, and T cells. Our recently
published data suggest that lack of adipocyte OSM signaling via its receptor (OSMR) leads to adipose tissue
inflammation and increased mast cell number. The exact signals involved in this mast cell accumulation remain
unknown. We will attempt to address these questions in this proposal. Specifically, we will test the overarching
hypothesis that adipocyte OSM signaling is a mediator of adipocyte-leukocyte crosstalk. Our recent findings
are the basis for the specific aims of this proposal: (1) Investigate the role of adipocyte OSM-OSMR signaling
as a regulator of WAT mast cell proliferation and maturation; and (2) Elucidate the contribution of mast cells to
WAT OSM expression and T cell activation. The completion of these aims will help identify the mechanisms by
which OSM-OSMR signaling, at the levels of both the adipocyte and the leukocyte, contributes to adipose
immune balance. Most importantly, the proposed studies build upon data and experience obtained from my
K01 award while representing a new and logical extension of the K01 project. Data generated from these
studies will form the basis for future R01 proposals designed to investigate the interactions of the adipose
tissue extracellular matrix and immune cells, which is consistent with my long-term research goal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10119282
- **Project number:** 5R03DK122121-02
- **Recipient organization:** LSU PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Carrie M Elks
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $111,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10119282

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10119282, Oncostatin M as a mediator of adipose tissue immune balance (5R03DK122121-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10119282. Licensed CC0.

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