James Granneman

James Granneman is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Center for Integrative Metabolic and Endocrine Research (CIMER), where he leads research focused on adipose tissue biology and metabolism. His work spans molecular mechanisms of lipolysis, adipose tissue remodeling, and drug target discovery for metabolic disorders.

Dr. Granneman's research primarily investigates adipose tissue biology with a focus on lipolysis mechanisms in fat and muscle tissues. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including confocal microscopy, live cell protein-protein interaction assays, molecular biology, cell biology, and high throughput compound screening. His work has significant implications for understanding and treating obesity and diabetes, with a particular emphasis on lipid droplet dynamics and adipocyte signaling pathways.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on lipid metabolism, with particular attention to ABHD5 and PNPLA3 proteins, lipid droplet targeting mechanisms, and the relationship between adipose tissue function and metabolic disease. The research spans basic molecular mechanisms through to translational applications in obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Granneman teaches several graduate-level courses including Metabolism and Disease (PSL7220 and MGG7020), Functional Genomics and Systems Biology (MGG7030 and IBS7030), and Scientific Communication (MGG7091). His teaching reflects his research expertise in metabolic pathways and molecular approaches to understanding disease mechanisms.

His laboratory utilizes mouse models to investigate adipose tissue function, with particular focus on how lipolysis affects metabolic health. The research integrates molecular, cellular, and physiological approaches to understand how adipose tissue remodeling contributes to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.