Advances in Biosciences Seminar Series- Professor Sirio Dupont from the University of Padova, Italy. Title: Mechanobiology and metabolism in cancer
| Dates: | 1 October 2024 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 14:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health |
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| Who is it for: | University staff |
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| Speaker: | Sirio Dupont |
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Introducing the first speaker in October for the Advances in Biosciences Seminar Series; Professor Sirio Dupont from the University of Padova, Italy.
Title: Mitochondrial mechanotransduction: a unifying pathway in the cellular response to forces?
Abstract: Is cell metabolism coordinated with tissue architecture and cell shape? In the last years my lab explored this question trying to identify and understand the molecular mechanisms by which forces and the mechanical properties of the microenvironment instruct cell behavior. In this context we discovered a novel function of mitochondria as signaling hubs coordinating the transcriptional and metabolic response to forces. ECM stiffness, spatial confinements, and applied forces including stretching of the mouse skin regulate mitochondrial dynamics. Forces do so by promoting phosphorylation of a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, limiting the recruitment of DRP1 at mitochondria and ultimately reducing mitochondrial fission. In turn, mitochondrial fission is also a general mechanotransduction mechanism. Indeed, we found that mechano-dependent fission is required and sufficient to regulate three transcription factors of broad physiological and pathological relevance to control cell proliferation, lipogenesis, antioxidant metabolism, chemotherapy resistance, and adipocyte differentiation in response to mechanical cues. This extends to the mouse liver, where DRP1 regulates hepatocyte proliferation and identity. We propose that mitochondria fulfill a unifying signaling function by which complementary cell functions are coordinated and harmonized with the mechanical tissue microenvironment.
Speaker Bio: Black sheep in a family of artists and humanists, I chose to study science and took a Biology degree, in Padua. Mad about molecular and developmental biology, I threw myself headlong into a PhD, in Padua. The family grows, results are good, passion remains burning, I try my chance with Academia and I become Assistant Professor, in Padua. Everything goes on fine, the family grows, I step upon a new research field and I even manage to make a 'once in a lifetime’ discovery, and I decide to do the next step in my career and to start an independent research group, in Padua. Now it's been ten years I run my research group, I became Associate and then Full Professor, I have fun with science, the family grew once more. Guess where? In Padua.
The seminar will be hosted by Dr John Robert Davis
Speaker
Sirio Dupont
Role: Professor
Organisation: University of Padova
Travel and Contact Information
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Michael Smith Lecture Theatre
Michael Smith Building
Manchester
