MRC INTEGRATIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY UNIT (IEU)

SPECIAL SEMINAR

WEDNESDAY, 5^th NOVEMBER, 2014
12.00 – 13.00 : SEMINAR ROOM
2^nd FLOOR, OAKFIELD HOUSE

DR JOHN PAUL SanGIOVANNI

Nutritional Neurosciences Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics and
Biochemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(NIAAA), USA

"Use of Findings from Genome-wide Association Studies for Inquiry and Inference on
Processes Involved in Development, Survival, and Rescue of
Cells and Cellular Systems"

 Background on Presentation 

Dr SanGiovanni will discuss an integrated systems-based approach to inquiry and inference for advancing knowledge on genetics-based relationships with processes implicated in complex disease pathogenesis and disease-associated pathophysiology.  The objectives of this approach are to identify and characterize enriched systems of molecular targets in biochemical pathways that: 1) are involved in development, survival, and rescue of disease-associated cells and cellular networks; and, 2) offer promise for rational development of nutritional and pharmacologic interventions in individuals and communities.  Dr SanGiovanni will present examples from his work on health and disease of the neural and vascular retina in application of the method to demonstrate its value in guiding applied clinical research in humans and model systems.

John Paul SanGiovanni

Dr John Paul SanGiovanni works in the Section on Nutritional Neurosciences in the Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics and Biochemistry at NIAAA.  His primary role is to contribute knowledge for development of a more sophisticated understanding of processes by which nutrients enhance health via their capacity to improve control in development, survival and rescue of cellular networks in the CNS.  Dr SanGiovanni’s major scholarship and research foci are on neurodevelopmental genomics in the context of nutrient-influenced processes. His aim is to advance knowledge on how nutrient-based processes may act in modifying trajectories of complex phenotypes.

Dr SanGiovanni is currently analyzing data from large-scale genomic studies to examine DNA sequence variation in genes and regulatory elements of genes encoding constituents of biochemical pathways implicated in pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common and complex behavioral disorders and conditions with developmental origins and manifesting externalizing and addictive behaviors.  The objectives of this effort are to identify and characterize enriched systems of molecular targets in biochemistry pathways that:  

1. Are involved in development, survival and rescue of disease-associated cells and cellular networks.
2. Offer promise for rapid development of nutritional and pharmacologic interventions in individuals and communities.

Central to this effort is a contextual process of inquiry and inference on the role of conditionally essential nutrients (highly saturated fatty acids, B vitamin family members, and carotenoids) both resident in the ultrastructure of diseased cells and manifesting biochemical\biophysical properties capable of influencing disease-associated processes and exposures. In his analytic approach, Dr SanGiovanni applies bioinformatic precursors, and bioactive metabolites – this approach is implemented in the context of knowledge regarding nutrient impact on transporters, receptors, enzymes, and hormones known to alter normal physiology of elements in disease-associated signaling systems and cellular networks.

ALL WELCOME