Novel pathways by which nutrients can regulate signalling pathways Event as iCalendar

Liggins Institute academic seminar presented by Professor Peter Shepherd, University of Auckland

All University staff and students are welcome
Refreshments will be served

 Many cell types can directly sense changes in nutrients such as glucose, with a consequent change in cell function. Prof. Shepherd’s lab has recently identified a novel mechanism by which cells can sense changes in glucose levels and activate the β-catenin signalling pathway in beta-cells and macrophages. In this lecture he will reveal details of this and discuss potential implications for the pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
  

Biosketch
Prof. Peter Shepherd graduated from Massey University and following post doctoral positions at Harvard and Cambridge he became a staff member at University College London where he was promoted to Professor in 2003. He was named London Young Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the year in 2002. He came back to Auckland in 2004 as Professor of Cell Signalling, Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology at the University of Auckland. Prof. Shepherd also holds many other distinguished roles: Principal Investigator at the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Chair of Queenstown Molecular Biology Meetings Society, Chair of Biochemical Journal Editorial Board and Director of NZ Bio. His research has been in the broad area of signal transduction with a particular focus on PI3-kinase and Wnt signalling pathways and their involvement in cancer and diabetes. He has founded the biotechnology company Symansis which is developing novel tools for drug discovery.