[Jordan 1-17] Hosted by Thurl Harris.
Dave Bridges, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
The Bridges lab seeks to understand the molecular networks that lie at the intersection between metabolism and health. Dr. Bridges completed his undergraduate and doctoral training in Biochemistry at the University of Calgary, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada followed by a fellowship with Dr. Alan Saltiel at the University of Michigan. During that time he used several model systems including yeast, flies and mice to elucidate a variety of novel aspects of metabolic regulation. As a member of the joint UTHSC-Le Bonheur Pediatric Obesity program, Dr. Bridge’s group studies the molecular, cellular and physiological changes associated with obesity. They are particularly interested in the role of the central nutrient responsive protein kinase mTORC1, how it is altered in weight gain and how its activation affects obesity related co-morbidities. With a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity, they hope to better prevent and treat obesity in the future.