Submitted by David Moore on
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) form a subset of nuclear receptors, currently comprising three distinct members: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARδ. Each receptor seems to influence pathways situated at the crossroads of intermediary metabolism and inflammation, imparting significant physiological and clinical relevance to them (Bensinger and Tontonoz, 2008).
PPARα, a well-known nuclear receptor, becomes active through its interaction with natural ligands such as fatty acids and synthetic ligands such as fibrate. This receptor primarily manifests in the liver, heart, and muscles, serving as a key controller of fatty acid transportation, catabolism, and the balance of energy within the body. Thus, PPARα emerges as a compelling candidate for sensing energy equilibrium.
Given PPARα's central involvement in energy-deprived states, it likely possesses a novel function in regulating energy homeostasis through translational control. We have uncovered evidence of this function and aim to further comprehend its distinctive mechanism.
Student responsibilities will include:
1) the maintenance, propagation, experimental manipulation and analysis of mammalian immortalized cells as well as primary cell and organoid cultures. Specific activities will include preparing complete media, washing and trypsinizing cells, isolating primary cells from euthanized animals and establishment of 3D cultures, treating cultures with relevant ligands and nutritional exposures across time courses, and harvesting of cultures for analysis of transcripts, proteins and/or metabolites.
2) the maintenance, monitoring and experimental manipulation of murine models of physiology and disease. Specific activities will include acquiring and maintaining appropriate trainings to work with mice and enter the vivarium, basic handling and care of laboratory mice, assisting in the preparation of mouse breeding cages and weaning, performing ear tagging and tail snips to facilitate mouse ID and genotyping, measuring mouse body weight and food intake, and delivering relevant ligands and nutrients via dietary, oral gavage and/or intraperitoneal routes. Students will be involved in animal sacrifice, tissue harvest and tissue processing to facilitate transcript, protein and metabolite analysis.
3) facilitate the everyday operation of the lab through activities including cleaning glassware, refilling pipette tips, autoclaving supplies that require sterilization, taking stock of available items, and assisting in trash and biohazard waste removal.
Major roles for the undergraduate are to actively participate lab meetings/journal clubs/discussion about our projects and learn/conduct molecular experiments with both in vivo and in vitro model systems such as DNA/RNA/Protein extraction, qPCR, Western Blot, cell culture, genotyping and so on.