Abstract:

The talk will summarise several ongoing research projects in the lab, primarily focussing on autophagic degradation of mitochondria by autophagy. We show that this homeostatic process, termed mitophagy, is essential for multiple aspects of cellular physiology. Mechanisms allowing autophagy machinery to detect damaged mitochondria producing elevated levels of reactive oxygen species will be discussed. Likewise, the talk will illustrate some mechanistic links between autophagy dysfunction and the loss of cellular function leading to cell death or senescence. Based on our data, we propose that autophagy, and specifically mitophagy, are promising targets for interventions aiming to prevent age-related dysfunction and diseases associated with ageing.

Bio:

Dr. Korolchuk received his PhD in Biochemistry from the Institute of Biochemistry at the Kyiv National Academy of Sciences in Ukraine in 2000. Following on from a research assistant position at the University of Bristol, UK, Dr. Korolchuk completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge, UK, in the laboratory of Prof. David Rubinsztein from 2003 to 2011. He then transitioned to a Lecturer role at Newcastle University's Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, and has subsequently transitioned to Reader in Molecular Cell Biology.

Dr. Korolchuk's research is centred on understanding the dynamics of autophagy and its regulation through mTOR signalling, particularly within the context of cellular and organismal aging. This involves studies of the contribution of autophagy to preservation of protein, DNA, and organelle homeostasis, as well as its involvement in oxidative stress responses.

Scientific background:

· Reader, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK, since 2017

· Lecturer, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, UK, 2011- 2017

· Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cambridge, UK, 2003-2011

· PhD in Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Kyiv, National Academy of Sciences, Ukraine, 2000

· Research interests: autophagy and its regulation by mTOR signalling in the context of cellular and organismal ageing; role of autophagy in the maintenance of protein, DNA and organelle homeostasis; autophagy as a mechanism of oxidative stress response.