The cell metabolism group

Description

The Tronstad lab studies how changes in cell metabolism and mitochondrial function may disturb energy homeostasis and cause disease. The lab combines multimodal approaches to investigate energy metabolism in experimental models and clinical samples. The Cell Metabolism group (Tronstad lab) belongs to the Metabolism and Cancer research unit. The laboratory uses state-of-art methods to investigate cell metabolism and mitochondrial biology, and the interactions with cell signaling. Through collaborations with their scientific and clinical partners, the overall aim is to contribute to knowledge and treatments for diseases involving metabolism dysfunctions. Cell metabolism is influenced by many factors in the microenvironment, including nutrients, signaling molecules and oxygen supply. Metabolic adaptation occurs via cellular processes such as signal transduction, gene transcription and enzymatic regulation, and involves tuning of mitochondrial functions. The mitochondrial organelle serves as a major energy producer (ATP), and consititutes a hub for multiple pathways that sense and coordinate cellular responses to maintain homeostasis. The group's hypothesis is that changes in cell physiology may be controlled by specific metabolic pathways, and consequently, that pathological shifts may be prevented or modulated by metabolic interventions. Currently, they are investigating these aspects in relation to cancer cell plasticity and therapy resistance; and in ME/CFS where the group recently found indications of a specific metabolic obstruction that may explain several symptoms of this debilitating disease. Description adapted from working group website: see link above.