Understanding Nuclear Metabolic Dynamics in Regeneration

Every cell in our body relies on specific metabolic processes to function properly. Yet, understanding how these processes are organized within cells remains a complex technical challenge. Traditionally, it was believed that the cells nucleus the hub for genetic information only plays a passive role in metabolic processes. However, recent research suggests that certain key catalyst of metabolic reactions, called enzymes are actually found within the nucleus itself. This project seeks to test whether these catalysts construct functional networks and uncover their potential effects, as they may play a crucial part in providing local energy and building blocks for cells that are actively growing. To investigate this, we use the liver as a model system, which is an organ that has the impressive ability to regenerate after injury. In the clinical setting, partial removal of the organ by surgery is often the only curative treatment option for various liver diseases, such as malignancies, cysts, or parasitic and infectious diseases. However, despite the general regenerative capacity of the organ, functional liver failure remains a significant healthcare concern. We combine a pre-clinical mouse model of surgical liver resection with advanced methodological approaches to uncover how metabolic enzymes function within the nucleus during liver regeneration. Through this research, we hope to deepen our understanding of how cells grow, regenerate and function. This knowledge may also shed light on the mechanisms underlying diseases that affect cellular metabolism, growth and nuclei themselves.