Animal models of haploinsufficiency revealed the isoform-specific role of GSK-3 in HFD-induced obesity and glucose intolerance.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), a serine-threonine kinase with two isoforms (α and β) is implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Recently, we reported the isoform-specific role of GSK-3 in T2D using homozygous GSK-3α/β knockout mice. Although the homozygous inhibition models are idealistic in a preclinical setting, they do not mimic the inhibition seen with pharmacological agents.

Isoform-Specific Role of GSK-3 in High Fat Diet Induced Obesity and Glucose Intolerance.

Obesity-associated metabolic disorders are rising to pandemic proportions; hence, there is an urgent need to identify underlying molecular mechanisms. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) signaling is highly implicated in metabolic diseases. Furthermore, GSK-3 expression and activity are increased in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Methane concentrations in streams reveal gas leak discharges in regions of oil, gas, and coal development.

As natural gas has grown in importance as a global energy source, leakage of methane (CH) from wells has sometimes been noted. Leakage of this greenhouse gas is important because it affects groundwater quality and, when emitted to the atmosphere, climate. We hypothesized that streams might be most contaminated by CH in the northern Appalachian Basin in regions with the longest history of hydrocarbon extraction activities.