Mitochondria and Metabolism Center
Mission
The Mitochondria and Metabolism Center (MMC), located at the South Lake Union Campus, was established in 2009 in response to the increasing recognition of the roles of metabolic and mitochondrial functions in many disease states. Today, mitochondria and metabolism studies continue to fascinate us with the observations that alterations of mitochondrial function and cell metabolism control life span in multiple model organisms. Furthermore, it is increasingly recognized that acquired mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of highly prevalent diseases such as obesity/diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These and many other discoveries in recent years have brought the ancient disciplines back to the center stage of science.
The Mitochondria and Metabolism Center is comprised of four main research laboratories. A collaborative approach between the labs is encouraged to further research, disseminate knowledge in the areas of mitochondria and metabolism, and provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. The MMC serves as an anchor to bring together multi-disciplinary investigators across the university and its affiliated institutions, foster interactions and share resources. The MMC offers core service platforms including metabolomics services at the Northwest Metabolomics Research Center that are extensively utilized by researchers both within the University as well as from outside organizations. In addition, a high resolution NMR spectroscopy and micro-imaging (HRIM) facility is operated via partnership among scientists at and outside MMC.
The MMC serves to train the next generation of scientists, with over 140 trainees completing fellowships over the past ten years. Almost 60 percent have advanced to academic careers, with many starting their own independent research programs in the areas of metabolomics and mitochondrial biology. In addition, graduate and undergraduate students as well as volunteers have all contributed to the mission of the center as well as enhancing their own educational experience by developing scientific expertise in the areas of mitochondrial biology and metabolomics. By providing a diverse and international climate, the center provides opportunities for both individuals and institutions to strengthen their capacities in moving these important research areas forward. Please visit us at http://depts.washington.edu/mmcslu/home-2/, to find out the most recent advances in mitochondria and metabolism research.
Core Services Offered
Northwest Metabolomics Research Center (NWMRC): The Center provides a broad range of metabolomics services including sample analysis, data analysis and interpretation, training and work-shops through its specialty Cores, which include Mass Spectrometry, NMR and Metabolic Imaging, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, and Promotional & Outreach.
Reporting Structure
Chair, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Related UW Entities
School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
External Partners
The Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, a Core Metabolomics service at MMC coordinate, and integrate significant capabilities in metabolomics at the University of Washington and other local institutions including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the Institute for Systems Biology, thereby fostering a broad range of interdisciplinary research at these institutions, throughout the Pacific Northwest Region, and nationally.
