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Mission

Metabolism

The biochemical processes that occur in living organisms to maintain life. This includes obtaining nutrients, producing and breaking down cellular building blocks into metabolites, generating energy, maintaining reduction-oxidation balance, and clearing metabolic waste.

Metabolic Regulation

This broadly refers to the mechanisms by which animals, organs and cells sense and control how nutrients are metabolized, and how the products of metabolism (metabolites) function as signals that control diverse cellular processes. It is also connected to how lifestyle (e.g. diet, sleep, age) and genetics influence metabolism.

The UMass Metabolic Network (MetNet)

A community of researchers who are enthusiastic about metabolism and metabolic regulation. MetNet researchers are exploring all aspects of metabolism and its regulation ranging from basic biochemistry, to organ function, to whole body metabolic health.

MetNet researches at UMass Chan are especially interested in how altered metabolism contributes to metabolic syndromes (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), inflammation and immune dysfunction, an altered microbiota, infectious disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.

A particular strength of our MetNet community is the variety of model organisms our basic and translational scientists are using to explore the biology of metabolism, its regulation, and its role in human disease. Our interactive and collaborative community meets monthly to share data and learn from visiting experts who work in diverse fields of metabolism.

Goals of the MetNet

Create an interactive community to share ideas, expertise & experiences related to all aspects of metabolism research
Foster collaborations
Advance on-campus resources for metabolism research