The testicular orphan nuclear receptors, TR2 and TR4, belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and are encoded by Nr2c1 and Nr2c2 genes, respectively. Both receptors are widely expressed and form homodimers and heterodimers to bind the DNA and active or repress transcription of target genes. TR4 is regulated in a circadian rhythmic manner in metabolic tissues, such as liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and skeletal muscle. Moreover, several studies indicate a central role of TR4 in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.
 
This project aims to evaluate the role of TR2 and TR4 in metabolic tissues, such as skeletal muscle, liver, and fat. Furthermore, we aim to investigate the impact of these nuclear receptors on metabolic homeostasis in health conditions and metabolic disorders. We combine different approaches that include mouse genetics, genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics.