Join Katsu Funai to learn how mitochondrial membrane lipids can affect metabolic efficiency and propensity for obesity-related diseases.

The mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) consists of a sequence of reactions with known nodes of inefficient energy transfer. Obesity and inactivity, major drivers of metabolic diseases, are both known to increase electron leakage and induce oxidative stress. In contrast, exercise, cold exposure and calorie restriction improve mitochondrial efficiency to maximize energy output. Notably, human mutations that promote loss of IMM lipids are known to cause oxidative stress and are detrimental to health.

During this exclusive live webinar, Katsu Funai will discuss how lipid composition of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) modulates ETS efficiency to alter propensities for metabolic diseases. Specifically, he will share how his team is utilizing a sophisticated mitochondrial diagnostics platform to systematically examine the role of IMM lipids on the efficiency of each of the energy transfer processes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, he will review methodology and share findings of tissue-specific gain- or loss-of-function studies and discuss the role of these experiments in assessing metabolic health.

Key Topics Include:

  • The concept of energy transfer nodes in oxidative phosphorylation
  • Obesity and other lifestyle comorbidities induce changes in efficiency of mitochondrial energy transfer
  • Lipid composition of inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) becomes robustly altered in response to metabolic interventions
  • Changes in IMM lipids are sufficient to alter the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation

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Resources

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Presenters

Associate Professor for Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine
University of Utah

Dr. Funai’s research involves studying the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle metabolism. He uses cell culture, mouse models, and clinical studies to understand how lipid molecules mediate the effect that obesity has on cellular homeostasis. His laboratory is located at the Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center at the University of Utah.

Production Partner

Aurora Scientific, Inc.

Aurora Scientific supports the scientific community in its goal of research and discovery by providing precision instrumentation of the highest quality design, construction and functionality for Muscle Physiology, Material Science and Neuroscience applications.

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