Estrogen, microRNAs and the Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction (EsmiRs)

The EsmiRs study investigates the biological mechanisms underlying adverse health changes associated with the menopausal transition. The project focuses on the role of estradiol in microRNA-mediated communication between tissues and examines how these mechanisms contribute to metabolic dysfunction risk in ageing women. Additional research targets include skeletal muscle ageing, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis.

Building on the longitudinal ERMA cohort, EsmiRs combines human follow-up data with animal and cell models. The study integrates genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, physiology, and endocrinology to investigate sex steroid hormones, physical activity, metabolic risk factors, and molecular signalling pathways. This comprehensive approach aims to improve understanding of how hormonal ageing influences whole-body metabolism and health.

The project has generated new knowledge on menopause-related biological processes and has contributed to emerging research themes involving microRNA signalling, HDL particle function, and women’s cardiometabolic health. Its findings support research on personalised risk assessment, disease prevention, and healthy ageing.

Funding
Research Council of Finland (2017–2022)
Research Council of Finland (2020–2022)
Research Council of Finland, MATCH (2020–2024)

Research group
Principal Investigator
Eija Laakkonen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Other members of Laakkonen group

Katja Kokko, Research Director, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Elina Sillanpää, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Maarit Lehti, University Researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Eero Haapala, Senior Researcher, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and University of Jyväskylä
Jari Laukkanen, professori, Professor, Eastern Finland University

Collaborators
ERMA-study
ErROR-study
PATHWAY-study
Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland
Likes by JAMK

Project website