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Gulcin Pekkurnaz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Research focused on understanding the coupling between mitochondrial function and neuronal metabolism. Mitochondria play a critical role in energy production, supplying approximately 95% of the energy utilized by the brain. Apart from ATP production, mitochondria are involved in calcium buffering and neurotransmitter metabolism, which are essential for maintaining neuronal health. Dysfunction in these processes can lead to various neurological diseases. Her research investigates how neurons utilize ATP based on their distinct metabolic requirements, which can differ across brain regions, neuron classes, and neuronal sub-compartments. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of her work, Pekkurnaz employs a variety of approaches including molecular biology, cell culture, metabolic flux analysis, mouse genetics, and models of neurodegenerative diseases, along with techniques from biochemistry and proteomics. This research aims to uncover novel pathways that influence neuronal metabolism and mitochondrial function under both physiological and pathological conditions.
Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).