Research Areas

The Kabir Lab investigates adipose tissue function in health and disease, with a focus on obesity, Type 2 diabetes and aging. Our research examines how adipose tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation and cellular senescence contribute to metabolic disorders and age-related changes. We also investigate the effects of established and emerging metabolic therapies, combining human adipose tissue studies, experimental models, molecular analyses and clinical research.

Our laboratory investigates how adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. We focus on alterations in adipocyte function, adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic regulation that impair insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. We also examine how therapeutic interventions can restore adipose tissue function and improve metabolic health.

A major focus of our research is understanding the contribution of cellular senescence to adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and aging. We investigate senescence-associated changes, inflammatory signaling and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) using human adipose tissue explants, molecular analyses and experimental models. Our studies also examine whether metabolic therapies and senescence-targeting interventions can reduce cellular senescence and improve adipose tissue health.

Our laboratory investigates the effects of insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering therapies on adipose tissue function, inflammation and cellular senescence. Our research includes SGLT2 inhibitors and incretin-based therapies. We aim to determine whether these treatments provide beneficial effects on adipose tissue beyond their established roles in glucose regulation and weight management.

Building on nearly three decades of research in diabetes and obesity, Dr. Kabir has investigated mechanisms underlying insulin resistance, insulin clearance, glucose tolerance and adipose tissue dysfunction. Her previous work has examined adipocyte size, fat distribution and the metabolic effects of therapeutic interventions. This expertise provides a foundation for the laboratory's current focus on adipose tissue health, cellular senescence and the effects of metabolic treatments.

Our laboratory integrates human adipose tissue studies, clinical investigations, preclinical models and molecular approaches to better understand the relationship between adipose tissue dysfunction, metabolic disease and aging. By evaluating the effects of metabolic and senescence-targeting therapies, we aim to identify strategies to improve insulin sensitivity, preserve adipose tissue function and promote healthier aging.