The Metabolic Switch in Development and Degeneration
Elizabeth Jonas, M.D.
Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology)
Yale School of Medicine
Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar
The Metabolic Switch in Development and Degeneration
Date: Dec. 12, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
In-person: Room G101 A/B, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, Virginia
Virtual: Watch via Zoom
About this Seminar
Dr. Jonas and her team have found a leak channel within the mitochondrial ATP synthase that opens to switch cellular metabolism between oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis. These two metabolic states are both required by cells for metabolic flexibility. Oxidative phosphorylation is the most efficient way for cells to produce energy in the form of ATP. Cells sacrifice energy production efficiency for growth and repair since “leak metabolism” speeds macromolecular biosynthesis. Finally, prolonged channel opening leads to cell death by mitochondrial permeability transition.
Additional Details
This is a free event hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-sponsored by the institute's Center for Neurobiology Research. The Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series, which runs annually from September to May, has featured leading biomedical researchers from throughout the country since the program began in 2012. The lectures are also open to all members of the Virginia Tech community including graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.
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