BIOCHEMISTRY

Systems biochemistry investigations into lipid metabolism and lipid-metabolizing enzymes

The majority of traits in humans — examples being eye color, hair color, and body weight — are the work of multiple genes, not just one. Piecing apart which genes do what, and to what extent, is one of science’s biggest challenges but there are techniques they utilize to do it. Molly McDevitt of the Pagliarini Lab extended those techniques to lipids (fats), with surprising results. She found that when lipids within the same class — such as those of triglycerides or cholesterol — change, their levels don’t necessarily change together. There could be hundreds or even thousands of types of triglycerides, for example. Because most medical tests analyze them in bulk, the tests might need to be refined to give more accurate health information.

To learn more about Molly’s results, attend her Thesis Review at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Room 1211 of the HFD Biochemical Sciences Building.