Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease involving an excessive accumulation of body fat that, in time, increases risk of heart, liver, and kidney diseases, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Lipotoxicity stemming from increase of fatty acids content and abnormal lipid metabolism leads to skeletal muscle damage. The proposed project aims to investigate the impact of obesity on satellite cells (SC), a stem cells that aide tissue repair in the skeletal muscles. By culturing SC isolated from lean and obese mice you will assess metabolic changes that accompany the pathogenesis of SC during obesity. You will investigate the modifications of such molecular pathways as proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage, inflammation, ER stress, lipid peroxidation, oxidative phosphorylation as well as mitochondrial structure and function. We hypothesize that obesity will negatively affect repair capacity of SC in the skeletal muscle by impairing the mitochondrial structure and metabolic processes connected with mitochondrial action.
Faculty Advisor Mentoring Philosophy
Scientifically, I will ensure that my mentees have access to diverse conceptual and technical training. I always try to incorporate state-of-the-art knowledge and practical experience into my lectures, and I include theoretical background when teaching laboratory techniques. I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and appreciate the enthusiasm of my students as well as opportunities to challenge them. I firmly believe in a win-win attitude for both learners and teachers, engaging with the ever-changing discipline of biological sciences, and thriving together for innovation in the field. I will do my absolute best to guide my students through the hardships of learning new, complicated but exciting and fulfilling things, training in order to best prepare them for future careers.
Faculty Advisor | Tomasz Bednarski | |
Contact E-Mail | tomasz.k.bednarski@unl.edu | |
Department | Nutrition and Health Sciences | |
Potential UCARE Research Position? | Yes | |
UCARE Terms | Both next summer (2024) and next academic year (2024-2025) | |
Paid or Volunteer Experience? | Paid by UCARE Funding | |
Hours per Week | 10 during academic year; 20 during summer (UCARE) | |
Acceptable Undergraduate Majors | None specified |