Welcome to our Lab!
We study lipotoxic mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases.
The major accomplishment of our laboratory is advancing the idea that sphingolipids (e.g. ceramides) contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disease. This prior work involving cell culture and rodent model systems has revealed considerable new mechanistic insight into the role of these molecules as central regulators of nutrient homeostasis. This focus on basic science and discovery biology will continue to be a major component of our laboratory. However, we now endeavor to also translate these findings into new clinical procedures or behavioral interventions to improve health.
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Who?
Of the 4000 sphingolipids that accrue in tissues, which ones are biologically active and which are relevant to metabolic disease?
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What?
Through what mechanisms do cells translate small changes in sphingolipid levels into profound effects on nutrient homeostasis?
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Where?
Where do sphingolipids act (i.e. which tissues and which organelles)?
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When?
When in the timeline of events leading to metabolic disease do sphingolipids accumulate? What regulatory mechanisms govern rates of ceramide synthesis or degradation?
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Why?
Why did sphingolipids evolve such prominent roles in nutrient homeostasis?
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How?
How do we exploit this knowledge to improve human health?
Why we do what we do - Scott Summers
A lifelong quest - a Vitae talk by our PI and chair of NUIP department.
Why we do what we do - William Holland
It runs in the family - A Vitae talk by our PI and Associate Professor.
Spring/Summer News
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Congratulations Dr. Norris! 🎉 - March 17th 2025
Our graduate student, Marie Norris successfully defended her PhD thesis and is now Dr. Marie Norris!
Congrats on your accomplishment Marie! We wish you a bright future! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
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Congratulations Dr. Nicholson! 🎉 - May 5th 2025
Our graduate student Rebekah Nicholson successfully defended her PhD thesis and is now Dr. Rebekah Nicholson!
Congrats on your accomplishment Bekah! We will all miss you, and wish you a bright future! 🎉🎉🎉