Jared Rutter

The Rutter laboratory is interested in discovering new ways to understand metabolism and how it impacts biology and human disease. We use a variety of model systems (yeast, Drosophila, mammalian cell culture, and mice) and experimental approaches (mass spectrometry, metabolomics, next-generation sequencing, and computational) to explore these questions.

Currently, we are focused on three central areas:

MIDAS

Small molecules can modify the function of proteins; however, this allosteric regulation has historically been difficult to detect. We developed an experimental platform called MIDAS–Mass spectrometry Integrated with equilibrium Dialysis for the discovery of Allostery Systematically–that allows us to identify metabolite-protein interactions. So far, we have screened over 200 proteins, and have uncovered many new and exciting discoveries that we are now verifying using in vitro and cell culture techniques.

Mitochondrial Biology

Mitochondria are small but complex organelles with a disproportionately large impact on human health and disease. We employ a multidisciplinary approach including yeast genetics, mammalian CRISPR screens, high resolution microscopy, as well as basic biochemistry to better understand the fundamental aspects of mitochondrial biology. To date, this has revealed the function of a number of evolutionarily conserved but previously uncharacterized mitochondrial proteins, and, more recently, has provided new insights into treatments for cancer and inherited peroxisomal diseases.

Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC)

In 2012, we discovered a protein complex, called the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), which is the major mitochondrial pyruvate transporter in yeast, Drosophila, and humans. The fate of pyruvate–the end-product of glycolysis–is one of the most important metabolic decisions made by eukaryotic cells. In normal, differentiated mammalian cells, pyruvate is primarily transported into mitochondria where it is oxidized to produce ATP. However, in stem cells, cancer cells, and in failing hearts, pyruvate is partitioned differently, such that manipulating the MPC can impact the function and proliferation of these cell types. This supports the idea that metabolism is not just a by-product but rather a driving force governing cell fate.

 

To talk about rotation opportunities, email Jared at rutter@biochem.utah.edu

For more information, visit our website (http://rutter.biochem.utah.edu/) and follow us on Twitter @RutterLab.