Establishing the effect of glycine/serine metabolism on skeletal muscle cell growth
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Research Project Leader
Dr René Koopman+61 3 8344 0243
Project Details
Skeletal muscle cell proliferation and growth require the production of building blocks for new cellular components (proteins, lipids and nucleic acids) as well the maintenance of cellular redox status. Observations in other cells suggest that the metabolism of the amino acid L-serine and its intermediate glycine can provide carbon units that satisfy many of these requirements. However, the cellular demand for L-serine is much greater than its uptake suggesting that the de novo production of L-serine is of critical importance to sustain cellular growth. Surprisingly, to date no detailed investigation of the role of L-serine biosynthesis in skeletal muscle has been performed and whether L-serine can support the production of biomass in growing muscle cells remains to be established.
Researchers
Dr René Koopman, Head of Laboratory
Marissa Caldow, Postdoctoral Fellow
Francesca Alves, Honours student
Funding
2018-2020 Duchenne Parent Project. Evaluating a sulforaphane-based nutraceutical to alleviate gastrointestinal dysfunction in DMD
2019-2021 ARC Development Grant. Mechanisms of age - related changes in amino acid signaling in skeletal muscle
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to PhD students, Masters by Research, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science, Post Doctor Researchers to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.