The impact of lipid metabolism and storage on mitochondrial DNA maintenance
Samantha Lewis, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Fatty acid entry into peripheral tissues is known to contribute to the onset of metabolic disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mitochondria play a crucial role in the oxidation, synthesis, and storage of fatty acids, and there is evidence to suggest that manipulation of the mitochondrial genome can impact lipid metabolism at the cellular level. The goal of this project is to identify the mechanisms that connect influx of long chain fatty acids (e.g. palmitic and oleic acid) with alterations of mitochondrial dynamics and genome (mtDNA) maintenance, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and molecular techniques.
Role: Students involved in the project will:
1. Research the differing effects of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid treatment on mitochondrial morphology and mtDNA synthesis
2. Research changes in contact site formation between mitochondria and other lipid metabolizing organelles upon fatty acid exposure using microscopy
Qualifications: Applicants will have completed introductory biology and chemistry courses and have foundational knowledge of cell biology. Applicants who have completed at least one biology laboratory course is preferred. The student must be organized, dependable, highly motivated, and collaborative, with an interest in metabolic biology and/or mitochondrial biology related topics.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Casadora Boone, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Related website: http://www.thelewislab.org
Social Sciences Biological & Health Sciences