ESR 1: Mitochondrial oxidative stress and remodelling in NAFLD

PROJECT SUMMARY

The project will investigate the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the signalling pathways associated with stress responses. Multiple antioxidants with different targeting features will be used. The work will be performed in both cell and animal models.

Research will include methodologies associated to the next generation of animal models for NAFLD, their characterization, as well as analyses of hepatic mitochondrial function, biogenesis, quality control mechanisms (e.g. autophagy, mitophagy) as well as general oxidative stress. The fellow will be trained in medicinal chemistry, namely in attained structural-activity-relationship studies that include chemical synthesis/purification/ characterization methods and biological data acquisition (three distinct biological models will be used to test the different mitochondrial-directed antioxidants).