ME: Molecular Network Controls of Hepatocyte Metabolism

Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Brunswick NJ

Investigators

Abstract

Roth 0519563 The proposed research involves the development of novel approaches to model regulation of metabolic networks, with a particular focus on gene regulation and cellular signaling. This approach combines gene expression data acquisition and a modeling framework, which utilizes experimental data and biological knowledge in unique ways, and which will have significant impact on the field of systems biology. The effect of stress mediators on hepatocyte metabolism has not been studied extensively and quantitatively from the standpoint of re-directing metabolism from inflammation to differentiated function for tissue engineering applications. This project will expand on collaborations already developed among the Principal Investigators (PIs) to include a larger and more diverse team, including experts in liver physiology and development of a bioartificial liver, biochemical reaction modeling, optimization, and data mining. Several graduate students will be supported by this grant. Other students are on fellowships from the Rutgers IGERT program on Integratively Engineered Biointerfaces. All students will be co-advised by 2 PIs and receive cross-disciplinary training. This project will be used as a case study in the PI's Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering course. Because of the integrative and interdisciplinary nature of this project, a significant impact on the educational and research infrastructure at Rutgers is expected.