Research Interests
Dr. Jurczak’s lab is primarily interested in the relationship between nutrient excess, mitochondrial overload and the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ectopic lipid accumulation in liver are both associated with insulin resistance in human subjects, but the cause and effect nature of these associations remain unclear. Dr. Jurczak’s lab is specifically interested in a mitochondrial repair mechanism called mitophagy that regulates the selective removal of damaged mitochondria via the autophagosomal pathway.
*Currently accepting graduate students
Program
Molecular Pharmacology