Unlike extramedullary adipose tissue, bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) increases upon malnutrition, hematologic neoplasms and bone disease development. The young scientist Dr. Trivanovic will investigate whether different microenvironmental cues might impose the specific functions of BMAT cell distinct to peripheral fat. The goal of Dr. Trivanovic’s project at the University Hospital Wuerzburg is to identify human BMAT progenitors, investigating relations of their adipogenic commitment and programs with mitochondrial network, bioenergetic profile and epigenetic landscape as an interface between metabolism and the gene expression. These novel insights into BMAT physiology as an important marrow stem cell niche component will bring potential to modulate or target BMAT for the benefit of human health.

The project of Dr. Drenka Trivanovic is supported from 2020 to 2021 by the “Young Investigator Fund for Innovative Research Ideas” of the Schering Stiftung and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.