Nathan Alder, along with collaborator Doron Rapaport from the University of Tübingen (Germany), has received an award from the Reinhard-Frank Foundation for research on mitochondria-targeted bioactive compounds. Support from this foundation is designed to advance novel research that builds upon existing research strengths and promotes sustained partnership between participating institutions. The supported research will explore how some small molecules with strong therapeutic potential for treating mitochondrial disorders may function at the outer membrane of the mitochondrion, combining Alder’s expertise in the analysis of mitochondria-targeted compounds with Rapaport’s expertise in the biogenesis of mitochondrial proteins. This funding will support joint research activities in the Alder and Rapaport labs as well as reciprocal institutional visits and training opportunities for lab personnel.
Author: Vining, Susan
May and Alder Receive Collaborative NIH Grant with Johns Hopkins University
Nathan Alder and Eric May have been awarded an R01 grant from the NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) as co-investigators on a project led by Steve Claypool at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The project, entitled “An intimate and multifaceted partnership: cardiolipin and the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier” (R01HL165729), is a four-year award, with a total award amount exceeding $2 million. This project will use multidisciplinary approaches for understanding the functional interactions between the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) of the mitochondrial inner membrane and cardiolipin, the signature phospholipid of the mitochondrion. Following up on recent research progress from the Claypool group, the work supported by this grant will elucidate how cardiolipin regulates AAC folding as well as higher-order assembly of AAC with the respiratory chain supercomplex, both of which are essential for mitochondrial energy metabolism. The labs at MCB will make complementary contributions to the work, using biophysical techniques with mitochondrial and reductionist model systems (Alder Lab) and computational approaches to address dynamic AAC-lipid interactions (May Lab). A key objective of this research is to elucidate the molecular basis of disease-associated defects in AAC-cardiolipin interactions that may arise from alterations in lipid metabolism and heritable mutations in the AAC transporter. These insights will inform current models of AAC regulation and the role of AAC-lipid interactions in mitochondrial diseases.
Carolyn Teschke Embraces Multidisciplinary Approach to Biology
New head of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology explains the complexities of the evolving field — and why well-trained scientists are in high demand. Read full article in UConn Today
Alder, Alexandrescu, May Labs Publish Collaborative Study
“Structure-activity relationships of mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide pharmacological compounds”
MCB Professor Teschke Elected to Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering
The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology would like to congratulate Dr. Carol Teschke for her recent election to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) Continue reading
Raising the Odds Against Viral Infection – Learning how viruses slip into cells, with an eye toward making it harder for them.
Dr. Eric May’s Research Highlighted in UConn Today UConn Today, April 23, 2021, Kim Krieger, UConn Communications
See Article
James Cole Receives Funding for Covid-19 Related Research
James Cole is among five UConn researchers awarded internal funding to support researchers who are using their expertise to find new solutions to address the Covid-10 pandemic The program will award up to $50,000 to recipients.
Dr. James Cole received $43,439, Targeting the Endoribonuclease of Coronaviruses, Co-PIs: Mark Peczuh, Chemistry
Related Proposal for Doctoral Degree: Nadine Lebek
Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
University of Connecticut
Related Proposal for the Doctoral Degree
Nadine Lebek
B.S. University of New Haven, 2017
Characterizing Synphilin-1 in proteostasis and
α-synuclein clearance
Thursday, July 30th, 2020
1:00 PM
Webex Virtual Seminar
https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/j.php?MTID=m5c67dae1396d39f1b25599f52127db2d
Major Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Campellone
Associate Advisor: Dr. Barbara Mellone
Associate Advisor: Dr. Leighton Core
Examiner: Dr. Aoife Heaslip
Examiner: Dr. David Goldhamer
Dr. Nathan Alder’s Research Featured in UConn Today
Related Proposal for Doctoral Degree: Stephen Hesler
Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
University of Connecticut Announces the
Related Proposal for the Doctoral Degree
Stephen Hesler, B.S. Lehigh University, 2011
Reevaluating the Activation Model of PKR
Thursday, October 31, 2019
12:30pm
PBB 129
Committee:
Major Advisor: Dr. James L. Cole
Associate Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Teschke
Associate Advisor: Dr. Victoria Robinson
Associate Advisor: Dr. Eric May
Associate Advisor: Dr. Debra Kendall