Biochemistry researchers target brain cell disorder

University of Florida Health researchers are using cells from patients and patients’ family members to understand why an enzyme deficiency does not allow brain cells to develop and grow normally. The disorder, known as asparagine synthetase deficiency (ASD) , affects children and was only identified several years ago.  Biochemistry professors, Michael S. Kilberg, Ph.D., Robert McKenna, Ph.D., and two doctoral students, Carrie Lomelino and Jacob Andring, recently published a paper about ASD’s function, structure and role in disease.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Lauren Douma, PhD, is a 2016 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduate from Dr. Linda Bloom's lab. Lauren is currently a postdoctoral fellow working in Dr. Michelle Gumz's and Dr. Brian Cain's labs.

We are excited to share that Lauren just recently had a first author paper accepted for publication in the American Journal of Physiology, Renal Physiology entitled Renal Na Handling Defect Associated with PER1-Dependent Non-Dipping Hypertension in Male Mice. 

Lauren has also been invited to attend the 17th Annual Southern Society for Clinical Investigation Nephrology Young Investigators' Forum in New Orleans this month, and she is a finalist for the Basic Research Award! 

Congratulations, Lauren, on these significant accomplishments! We are pleased to be able to recognize you and your work in this first-ever monthly article featuring our alumni.

On January 21st - 23rd, the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology concentration hosted four prospective students at one of two annual spring recruiting events. During these two days, the students were invited for interviews, taken on tours through the labs and had opportunities to engage one-on-one with faculty and current students regarding the research opportunities offered through the BMB concentration of the graduate program in Biomedical Sciences.

On the second day, there was a Biomedical Sciences Exposition in which our BMB concentration participated in a poster session expounding on the wide spectrum of the molecular biosciences in which our students can receive laboratory training.

The next recruitment event date is February 4-6, 2018, where more students will be interviewed. The students we are recruiting at this time will be joining us in the Fall of this year.