Aging and specifically menopausal transition (cessation of ovarian estradiol) may greatly increase fat accumulation and the risk of several health deteriorations, such as metabolic syndrome in women. Worldwide this concerns roughly over 800 million menopausal women, of whom risk of premature death due to menopause-associated metabolic dysfunctions or disorders is increased. EsmiRs-study concentrates to investigate the molecular basis of the undesirable metabolic changes that result from menopause. By utilizing methods of genome-wide molecular biology, endocrinology, physiology, and sport and health sciences, we aim to shrink the gap between disciplines in order to discover how and why negative metabolic changes in skeletal muscle tissue and at whole body level are associated with hormonal status. Specifically, EsmiRs-study endeavors to determine the regulatory functions of estradiol in microRNA-mediated regulation of tissue interactions as contributing factors to the risk of metabolic dysfunction in aging women.

EsmiRs study uses human data and samples from the ERMA study together with cell culture and experimental animal designs.

Funding
Academy of Finland 2017-2022

Research group
Principal investigator
Docent Eija Laakkonen, Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Sira Karvinen, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä
Hanna-Kaarina Juppi, University of Jyväskylä
Matti Hyvärinen, University of Jyväskylä