The role of enzymes in metabolic syndromes is the subject of two programme grants awarded through the Physiological Sciences stream.

Polycystic ovary syndrome causes many symptoms, due to increased androgen levels, and can lead to the development of obesity and diabetes. However, it is unclear why some people with the syndrome develop these related conditions and others do not. Professor Paul Stewart and Dr Elizabeth Walker (University of Birmingham) will analyse the role of two genes involved in polycystic ovary syndrome: 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a new metabolic pathway recently discovered by the researchers).

Further research on 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is planned by Professor Jonathan Seckl and colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, who will investigate why a lack of this enzyme protects against atherosclerosis in mice fed high-cholesterol diets. The team will explore the biochemical basis of this protection, and aims to determine which cells are involved.

Image: Polycystic ovary; Medical Art Service, Munich