Exercising the Metabolome
Education and Metabolism & Energy Tracks

Bioinformatic and proteomic analysis of the human genome has resulted in the discovery of several novel, biologically active proteins. Many of these proteins are produced in and released from adipocytes, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system sites known to be important in appetite regulation and metabolic function. Once identified, the broad spectrum of biologic actions must be characterized, and determined to be either physiologically relevant or potentially therapeutically important. Just as the task of discovery requires a wide variety of bioinformatic and proteomic approaches, while the characterization of the biologic effect of novel, secreted proteins requires multiple experimental approaches to gain an understanding of the role(s) played by these factors in integrative, systems biology. This symposium will focus on several recently characterized proteins known to have physiologically relevant actions on metabolic function and detail strategies for the characterization of the biologic action of those proteins. Speakers will focus on proteins involved in appetite, metabolism and glucose homeostasis.

3:15 PM	Discovering the actions of amylin.  Andrew A. Young, Amylin Pharmaceuticals
3:45 PM	Integration of satiety signals by brainstem POMC and catecholamine neurons. Suzanne Appleyard, Washington State University
4:15 PM	Peripheral and central effects of ghrelin: role of AMPkinase. Blerina Kola, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry
4:45 PM	Cellular basis of nutrient and hormone signaling in the hypothalamus. Denise Belsham, Univ. of Toronto