One of the specific aims of the UCLA Metabolism Research Theme is to support the development of new approaches to metabolic parameters. To best fuel innovative ideas, the Metabolism Theme partners with internal and external entities to bring in talent, provide educational seminar series and facilitate workshops.
1.5 hours workshop will be held on a monthly basis to go over specific approaches, their pros and cons, the required controls, common artifacts and interpretation of data. These are intended for trainees and faculty who would like to adopt an approach not currently applied in their lab and to facilitate a discussion about the proper utilization of approaches currently used in our labs. Topics include: Respirometry in isolated mitochondria, measuring mitochondrial membrane potential, imaging and quantifying mitochondrial architecture and dynamics, measuring autophagic flux, measuring lysosome acidification, preparing samples for mass spec analysis of cellular and media metabolites, measuring lipolysis and beta oxidation etc.
This lecture series will be focused on achieved scientists in the various categories represented within the Theme (Diabetes and Obesity, Cancer Metabolism, Cell Development and Aging). The first one will be in January. Please email me with suggestions for invited lecturers. This series is open for invitation from abroad.
The Metabolism Theme has teamed up with current successful seminar series organizers on campus: Dr. Hilary Coller and Dr. Carla Koehler. The seminar series have evolved into emphasizing two key disciplines.
Metabolism Interest Group
Attended by labs studying metabolic pathways with strong emphasis on metabolite tracing and metabolomics.
For questions or speaking nominations please contact Dr. Hilary Coller via email at hcoller@ucla.edu.
Super Mito Group Meeting
Attended by labs studying mitochondrial biology with strong emphasis on protein biochemistry and cell biology approaches.
For questions or speaking nominations please contact Dr. Carla Koehler via email at koehlerc@chem.ucla.edu .
The Metabolism Theme is providing a budget for refreshments as well as administrative support. To enhance exposure of the cell biologist to metabolite tracing and vice versa, the two groups will host speakers that will deliver seminars within the series; presenting the approach and demonstrating its adoption in a project.
Ajit Divakaruni, PhD is coming from UCSD where he trained with Dr. Anne Murphy.
His approach is bridging bioenergetics and metabolic pathway analysis and his plan is to focus on neuronal metabolism. The Metabolism Theme is now working with Dr. Phelps on putting together a new search for a recruitment that will be conducted by the Metabolism Theme.
Prof. Alicia Kowaltowski is a full Professor of Biochemistry at the University of São Paolo in Brazil, and has joined us for a sabbatical.
She is an MD/PhD from the University of Campinas and University of Maryland, and did her post doc work at the Oregon Graduate Institute. Professor Kowaltowski is a leader in cellular energetics, with expertise in mitochondrial redox state, bioenergetics and biophysics.
