Peroxisomes, lipids, and neurodegeneration

Abstract

Peroxisomes, lipids, and neurodegeneration Prof. Michael Schrader at the University of Exeter looks to understand the role of peroxisomes in human health and disease. The proper functioning of eukaryotic cells depends on membrane-bound subcellular compartments (organelles). They create distinct and unique reaction chambers with an optimised environment to promote various metabolic reactions required to sustain life. These compartments are highly dynamic and can alter their position, number, enzymatic content, and morphology according to cellular needs or environmental changes. In addition, organelles interact, communicate, and cooperate in metabolic pathways and tasks distributed across different organelles. Prof. Schrader and his team in the Dept. of Biosciences at the University of Exeter are investigating how these processes are regulated, and what molecular components and mechanisms are involved, with a particular focus on peroxisomes.