BIOL4290 · Biology

Metabolic Regulation and Human Disease

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

The increasing knowledge about the metabolic pathways has deepened our understanding of human disease. Using studies from recent research and review articles, we will cover a variety of domains in the first half of the semester. These topics include insulin signaling/resistance, regulation of metabolism by different regulatory pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We will also investigate important regulatory hormones including incretins, leptin and adiponectin and the tissue at the center of obesity, adipose tissue. Based on this foundation, we will focus on metabolic impairments in different human diseases. Specifically, we will be reading from the primary literature and from other relevant sources (e.g., review articles) on metabolic syndrome, pancreas function/dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, MODY and obesity. After we complete this section, we will focus on the link between metabolic diseases and other important diseases including cancer and neurological diseases/dysfunction. Lastly, we will study the effects of racism and inequities in society on human health. At the end of the course, the students will develop a deep understanding of basic mechanisms in metabolic disease. This course is based on active teaching/learning principles and the instructor will be the guide on the side, rather than sage on the stage. Thus, the students are expected to actively participate in Discussions in each class.