Decreased Lipid Metabolism Provides Insight into Sleep Mechanisms
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Thimgan, Matthew S.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Missouri S& T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program; National Institute of Health
Abstract
Regulation of sleep and wake cycles is critical to maintain consolidated and restorative sleep. We have identified a novel lipid metabolism pathway as a key player in sleep regulation, potentially through energy management. CPT 1 is the protein channel that allows a range of fatty acid chain lengths to enter the first membrane of the mitochondria, then ultimately to undergo Beta-Oxidation and then to oxidative phosphorylation. When levels of Cpt1 are knocked down in the adipose tissue, flies robustly increase wakefulness when presented with starvation conditions, which is not seen in parental controls. We hypothesize that metabolic factors signal the brain to induce wakefulness. We can use this model system to test whether these factors change prior to or during increased wakefulness.
Biography
Carlos is a 22 year old graduating senior in Biological sciences. He has researched with Dr. Thimgan since the beginning of fall semester of 2011.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Decreased Lipid Metabolism Provides Insight into Sleep Mechanisms
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Regulation of sleep and wake cycles is critical to maintain consolidated and restorative sleep. We have identified a novel lipid metabolism pathway as a key player in sleep regulation, potentially through energy management. CPT 1 is the protein channel that allows a range of fatty acid chain lengths to enter the first membrane of the mitochondria, then ultimately to undergo Beta-Oxidation and then to oxidative phosphorylation. When levels of Cpt1 are knocked down in the adipose tissue, flies robustly increase wakefulness when presented with starvation conditions, which is not seen in parental controls. We hypothesize that metabolic factors signal the brain to induce wakefulness. We can use this model system to test whether these factors change prior to or during increased wakefulness.
