Regulation of energy metabolism in exercise and obesity

Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, and it's prevalence is ever-increasing. It's patophysiology is complex but ultimately results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Emerging evidence suggests that macromolecules can serve as regulators of metabolism. My research focus is to elucidate the role of a group of tryptophan metabolites called kynurenines in obesity and exercise. These metabolites are differentially regulated in health and disease, and serve as a connection link between metabolic tissues and the immune system. In particular, my research focus has been directed towards studying the benefitial role of certain kynurenine metabolites in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the immune system.