8 November 2013

Fifty Shades of Fat: Using Computational Biology to Understand Liver Dysfunction

Organised by:

SCI's Biotechnology Group in conjunction with the University of Westminster

London, University of Westminster

Registration Closed

This event is no longer available for registration.

Synopsis

For an individual to remain healthy it is important that their body functions within certain physiological bounds. These bounds may range from complex processes such as the balance between cell death and cell division, to more simplistic measures such as body mass. Such balance is made more difficult because we live in an ever changing environment, exposing our bodies to a wide range of different chemicals every day. Dysregulation of these core body functions leads to conditions such as obesity, fatty liver and type 2 diabetes, which are estimated to cost the UK economy £2Bn per annum. Such dysregulation can be the result of many factors, including dietary overload, viral infection, or environmental stress. Understanding how the body adapts to these challenges and mitigates the risk of long-term adverse health impacts is key for the promotion of healthy aging in the UK population.

Within your body the liver acts as a gatekeeper, protecting you from toxic chemicals in the environment while ensuring the correct levels of many of the body's chemicals that are required for healthy life. To do this, the liver must be able to adapt to the environmental chemicals that it is exposed to, ensuring their safe handling, but at the same time keeping body chemicals within the physiological bounds required for healthy living. We have developed novel software that allows modelling of dynamic cell behaviors on a whole cell scale, meaning that the model will change and adapt to the chemical challenge. The goal of this predictive computer modelling approach is to identify molecules in the network that are critical to the liver's ability to balance the internal and external environment; such molecules are quite possibly disrupted in diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cancer.


Programme
Accessibility Grants

SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.


Venue and Contact

University of Westminster

University of Westminster, School of Life Sciences, 115 New Cavendish Street London W1W 6UW

For a Map click here

SCI Comms Team

+44 (0)20 7598 1561

Email: Communications@soci.org


Fees
This is a free event, no need to book.

Become an SCI Member and save on this and future events

See Membership Options

Sign up as an Event Member to join this event. SCI Full or Student Members receive discounts on event registrations


Booking Process/Deadlines

Booking terms and conditions


CPD Info

SCI Members attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.

Accredited cpd Centre - The CPD Standards Office - CPD Provider 41057 - www.cpdstandards.com


Additional Info

Speaker

Dr Nick Plant, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Surrey