2 Chair's Greeting 3 Class of 2023 4 Loftfield Awards 5 New Omdahl Endowment
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine UNM Health & Health Sciences
2023 RESEARCH DAY
NEWSLETTER
6 Groundbreaking Research 8 High Impact Publications 9 Meet Dr. Ponomarova 10 Awards & Recognition
BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
INSIDE
WINTER 2023/2024
VIVO
Dear friends, I want to extend my warmest welcome to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Winter Newsletter. This year we were privileged to help make a special endowment tribute honoring Dr. Jack Omdahl, someone we admired and want to remember forever. Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Jettie Omdahl, family and friends Jack’s legacy on vitamin D research will continue inspiring faculty and students with an annual lecture series. Jack was UNM Regent’s Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Senior Associate Dean for Research in the School of Medicine. You will read about the Jack L. Omdahl Memorial Lecture Series in the Spotlight. Today we want to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wayne Wallis, the Loftfield family, and friends whose generous support to the Dr. Robert B. Loftfield PhD Fund has helped us to continue expanding the legacy of Dr. Loftfield, who was the founding chair of the Biochemistry Department. This fund will shape the future of many students in research and medicine. Your generous contribution to the Loftfield Fund is a game-changing gift. You can learn more and make a gift here.
CHAIR'S GREETING
Join us at the following links UNM Website
Going forward, we are seeking opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the biochemistry department. We invite you to get together with other biochemistry alumni in San Antonio on March 23-26 during the 2024 ASBMB annual meeting. You will also meet our UNM ASBMB Student Chapter. Join me in congratulating our students who received the ASBMB Student Chapter Outreach Grant and Student Chapter Travel Award. You can learn more at https://asbmb.unm.edu and if you have questions, you can reach to me at kjparra@salud.unm.edu I am thrilled to announce the promotion of two faculty members, Dr. Curt Hines and Dr. Xiang Xue, and we congratulate Mr. Galen Billings, who won the Dean’s Staff Award. This year we also welcomed two new Assistant Professors, Dr. Olga Ponomarova and Dr. Xing Zhang. Many more faculty and students’ accomplishments are shared here in the Newsletter, including groundbreaking discoveries concerning how to reduce insulin resistance (from the Liu lab), and new strategies for colon cancer therapeutics (from the Xue lab). The images on the cover of this Newsletter are from the 2023 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Day highlighting the cutting-edge research of students, post-docs, faculty, and staff. Please join us this year to learn more about our research on April 4th, in Fitz Hall Building! Lots of good wishes to you and a wonderful year 2024 filled with gratitude.
LINKEDIN
Instagram
Photo: Dr. Karlett Parra & Mrs. Jetti Omdahl
21.7% POST GRADUATE PROGRAM 13% MEDICAL PROGRAM (MD OR MD/PHD) 8.7% RESEARCH PROGRAMS (MS OR PHD) 67.4% POST GRADUATE WITHIN 2-3 YEARS 52.2% PROFESSIONAL, DEGREE PROGRAMS IN HEALTH CARE (MD, MD/PD, DMD, PA, NP) 15.2% RESEARCH PROGRAMS (MS OR PHD)
WHERE ARE THEY HEADED?
Class of 2023 by the Numbers
CLASS OF 2023 REPORT CARD 3.70 AVERAGE GPA 15.3% DUAL DEGREE OR DOUBLE MAJOR 54.3% PARTICIPATED IN RESEARCH
AWARDS & HONORS 12 DEAN'S LIST & HONORS SCHOLARS 9 AWARDS 4 SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 BIOCHEMISTRY GRADUATES
2023 ROBERT B. LOFTFIELD RECIPIENTS
Vineet Narayanan Excellence in Academics
Xander Augustson Excellence in Academics
Sabina Alice Rindestig Sjoberg Excellence in Research
Que Le Excellence in Education
Jack L. Omdahl Memorial Lecturer Series
We are committed to preserve Jack’s memory forever thanks to the generous donations from his family and friends. Your generous donations to this lecture series are greatly appreciated. Please contact: Liz Kahane, Director of Development for the School of Medicine at the UNM Foundation at liz.kahane@unmfund.org or (505) 313-7672. Or, you can learn more and make a gift online here.
SPOTLIGHT
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has established the Jack L. Omdahl Endowed Fund. Dr. Jack L. Omdahl, was UNM Regent's Professor, faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1972 -2005), and Senior Associate Dean for Research in the School of Medicine (2002-2005). Jack L. Omdahl was a recognized leader in research and education, and the winner of prestigious awards in both arenas. He was a champion of the faculty and of faculty rights, having served two terms each as President of the Faculty Senate and as Chairman of the UNM Academic Tenure and Freedom Committee. Dr. Omdahl passed away on February 10, 2005. All who were fortunate enough to have worked with him -students, fellows, and colleagues -were touched by his personal warmth and his commitment to excellence. His intelligence, courage, and integrity have left permanent marks upon the University, which is forever a better place for the service he so generously gave. In recognition of Dr. Omdahl's many contributions during his 33 years as a faculty member of the University, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and School of Medicine, along with generous donors, created the John L. Omdahl Memorial Lecture in 2005, which has sponsored annual seminars by nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field of vitamin D metabolism, the focus of Dr. Omdahl research career.
Transferrin receptor (TFRC), a key mediator of cellular iron entry, is induced in colorectal cancer due to adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene loss-driven β-catenin activation. TFRC-mediated intratumoral iron accumulation enhances tankyrase activity, promoting β-catenin signaling. Disrupting TFRC reduces colonic iron levels, inhibits tankyrase, stabilizes axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2), and represses the β-catenin/c-Myc/ E2F Transcription Factor 1/DNA polymerase delta1 (POLD1) axis.
XIANG XUE
POLD1 knockdown, iron chelation, and TFRC disruption induce DNA replication stress, DNA damage response, apoptosis, and reduce colon tumor growth. Combining iron chelators and DNA damaging agents enhances DNA damage response, suggesting a potential strategy for colorectal cancer therapy. Published in Advanced Science. (LINK)
Ground Breaking Research
We're thrilled to relaunch the ASBMB Student Chapter at the BMB Department, originally founded in 2016. Our mission is to enrich the academic journey of undergraduates in biochemistry through a dynamic learning environment created by social, professional, and community outreach events. Join us to connect with peers, receive faculty guidance, and access valuable resources. Contact us at asbmb.unm.edu to be part of this exciting journey!
ASBMB Student Chapter
"Transferrin receptor-mediated iron uptake is essential for colon tumorigenesis."
Depletion of JunB Increases Adipocyte Thermogenic Capacity and Ameliorates Diet-induced Insulin Resistance
The coexistence of brown adipocytes with low and high thermogenic activity is a fundamental feature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) heterogeneity and plasticity. However, the mechanisms that govern thermogenic adipocyte heterogeneity and its significance in obesity and metabolic disease remain poorly understood. In the present study, we discovered a population of transcription factor JunB-enriched (JunB+) adipocytes within the BAT exhibits lower thermogenic capacity compared to high-thermogenic adipocytes.
The JunB+adipocyte population expands by inflammatory cytokines in obesity and suppresses the formation of high-thermogenic adipocytes throughbinding to the promoter of estrogen-related receptor α (Errα), a PGC-1 α downstream effector. Depletion of JunB in adipocytes increases the fraction of adipocytes exhibiting high thermogenic capacity, leading to enhanced basal and cold-induced energy expenditure and protection against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Our study uncovers that JunB shapes thermogenic adipocyte heterogeneity, serving a critical role in maintaining systemic metabolic health. Published in Nature Metabolism. (LINK)
Dr. Curt Hines promoted to Associate Professor with tenure.
BMB FACULTY PROMOTIONS
MEILIAN LIU
Dr. Xiang Xue promoted to Associate Professor with tenure.
Nathan Zaidman published "The Transcription Factor Foxi1 Promotes Expression of V-ATPase and Gp116 in M-1 cells" in American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. Using the transcription factor Foxi1, this study developed an in vitro system that generates renal intercalated-like cells in a dish. M-1 cortical collecting duct cells transfected with Foxi1 demonstrated transcriptional upregulation of several genes associated with intercalated cells. In particular, Foxi1 induces expression of several intercalated cell-specific subunits of the V-ATPase as well as Gpr116, Slc4a9 and Slc26a4. (LINK)
Xiang Xue published "The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in Colorectal Cancer Hepatic Metastasis" in Cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatic metastases is of dire need for the development of potent targeted therapeutics, this brief review discusses the involvement of three representative cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), a lipid molecule PGE2 and two chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2) in the process of CRC liver metastases. (LINK)
Xiang Xue published "Transferrin Receptor-Mediated Iron Uptake Promotes Colon Tumorigenesis" in Advanced Science. This is the first genetic demonstration of the importance of TFRC-mediated iron uptake in normal and tumor colon tissues in vivo. (LINK)
Mark McCormick published "Single-cell RNA-seq reveals early heterogeneity during aging in yeast" in Aging Cell. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNASeq) to show that cell-to-cell transcriptional variation increases with age in yeast including during early aging. (LINK)
HIGH IMPACT PUBLICATIONS
Mark McCormick published "Cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNA synthetase inhibitors increase lifespan in a GCN4/atf-4-dependent manner" in iScience. This study showed that a class of compounds called tRNA synthetase inhibitors can provide one of the largest pharmacological lifespan increases seen to date in any model organism, through biological pathways that are conserved all the way to humans and might significantly delay to onset of human diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer. (LINK)
Xiang Xue published "Myeloid FTH1 deficiency protects mice from colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer via reducing iron-driven STAT3 activation" in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. This is the first demonstration that myeloid FTH1 is required for colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer via maintaining of STAT3 signaling activation under excess iron condition. (LINK)
Curt Hines published "Lost in transduction: Critical considerations when using viral vectors" in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. It is a commentary on Lentiviruses. (LINK)
Meilian Liu published "Adipocyte-derived PGE2 is required for intermittent fasting-induced Treg proliferation and improvement of insulin sensitivity" in The JCI Insight. This study uncovered a novel mechanism involving lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that mimics intermittent fasting regimen and contributes to the immunosuppressing microenvironment within fat tissue, promoting proliferation of regulatory T cells and systemic metabolic homeostasis. (LINK)
Senator Harold Pope, former UNM Biochemistry Grad meets with Élite students.
MEET OLGA PONOMAROVA
The program proved highly effective in helping students be more prepared and confident for their future careers. 70% of participants participated in research. 30% of participants received awards for their academic efforts. We invite faculty members and biochemistry professionals to join us as mentors. Your involvement can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for everyone involved. Pictured to the right is Harold Pope Jr. NM State Senator and former UNM Biochemistry graduate meeting with this years group ÉLITE students.
Élite Career Mentoring Program
In April of this year, we welcomed Dr. Olga Ponomarova to the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Prior to that, she earned her PhD from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Ponomarova's lab investigates how metabolic pathways adapt to a changing environment to maintain the organism's health. Shifts in diet or mutations in a metabolic enzyme can occur at any time.
In its inaugural year, the ÉLITE mentoring program has successfully welcomed and guided a diverse cohort of students, providing them with valuable support, networking opportunities and assistance with their academic experience. 100% of our participants reported they valued their experience with the ÉLITE Program and would recommend it to their peers.
Her team is exploring how metabolic pathways communicate and respond to such life events. Can diet improve or worsen a disease? Why are metabolic pathways interconnected the way they are? If you're curious, stop by her lab to learn more and see how glow-in-the-dark model organisms are advancing biomedical research.
Rae Harris - Outstanding poster award at UPN Day, 2023
BMB STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
Luke Villareal - 2023-Present Infectious Disease and Immunity Program T32 training grant Pre-Doctoral Fellow, University of New Mexico * 2023 Edmund & Thelma Evans Trust Scholarship * 2023 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Day Best Poster * 2023 University of New Mexico Office of Graduate Studies Graduate Student Success Scholarship
Brandan Sanders - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Cancer Research Experience for Undergraduates (CREU), summer 2023 * UNM U-RISE Scholar
Olivia Harris - NIH Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) Data Science Training Core Training Practicum (PRIME) Program.
The Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 3 Travel Funds Award, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
Blaise Mariner - S-CAP Travel Award, American Aging Association Annual Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK, June 2023.
Izabelle Chavez - New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation Undergraduate Research Scholar * El Puente Research Fellowship * New Mexico Hispanic Women’s Council Scholarship * UROC 180 Talk Honorable Mention, April 12, 2023.
Leonard Butler - New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation Undergraduate Research Scholar
FACULTY AWARDS
With nearly 1,000 graduates, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has prepared students for a diverse array of careers. Now growing rapidly, but maintaining its tradition of rigor and excellence, Dr. Karlett Parra, the Department Chair, welcomes your philantrhopic partnership as we continue to grow. Gifts to the Chair's Fund will be used to serve the greatest needs within the Department. Planned gifts through your estate can help you create a legacy while enhancing the work of the Department. Please contact Liz Kahane, Director of Development for the School of Medicine at the UNM Foundation, learn more at liz.kahane@unmfund.org or (505) 313-7672. Thank you for your partnership!
WEBSITE: hsc.unm.edu/medicine/departments/biochemistry/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/karlett-parra-b957151bb/ Instagram (@unm_BMB) www.instagram.com/unm_bmb/
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF DISCOVERY & INNOVATION
Robert B. Loftfield Fund
Department Chair's Fund
JOIN US ONLINE
From the foundation web page search for the name of the preferred fund or "Biochemistry".
John L. Omdahl Memorial Lectureship
We would like to feature YOU in our next issue! If you are interested, please let us know at 505-925-4095
goto.unm.edu/biochem
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | UNM School of Medicine MSC08 4670 | 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 Karlett Parra, PhD | Department Chair KJParra@salud.unm.edu Heather Armstrong | Department Administrator HEArmstrong@salud.unm.edu