Research

Dr. Kurland’s laboratory focuses on understanding metabolic flexibility, which refers to the body’s ability to switch between glucose and fat as energy sources. In individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, this fuel switch is impaired.

Metabolic Flexibility and Insulin Resistance

Woman in lab

  • Dr. Kurland’s laboratory focuses on understanding metabolic flexibility, which refers to the body’s ability to switch between glucose and fat as energy sources. In individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, this fuel switch is impaired.
  • To study this, Dr. Kurland has developed stable isotope-based flux phenotyping methodology using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This technique allows him to track the exchange of labeled substrates (such as glucose) between different organs or within the same organ in vivo.
  • His research has revealed unique mechanisms of substrate recycling between the liver, fat, and muscle in insulin-resistant states. Additionally, he assesses neural influences on peripheral fuel utilization.
  • Dr. Kurland investigates how dysregulations in metabolism impact the acetylation of key proteins/enzymes in metabolic networks. Acetyl CoA, a metabolite common to glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism, acts as a “sensor” for regulating fuel usage during transitions from fasting to re-feeding.
  • Collaborating with other labs, he explores the inter-relationship of hepatic Akt2, FoxOs, and SirT1 in the metabolic and acetylome response.

Combined 'Omics Methodologies

Science

  • Dr. Kurland combines various 'omics approaches (flux profiling, metabolomics, and acetylomics) to gain a comprehensive understanding of metabolic processes.
  • His team associates unique plasma flux profiles with specific plasma/tissue metabolite profiles. This enables the interpretation of the metabolic network acetylome.
  • By studying knockout mouse models of key genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism, they uncover underlying pathophysiology related to impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic inflexibility.

Diabetes Research and Stable Isotope Techniques

Beakers in a Laboratory

  • As the Director of the Stable Isotope & Metabolomics Core Facility at the Diabetes Research Center, Dr. Kurland contributes significantly to diabetes research.
  • Stable isotope techniques allow precise measurements of metabolic processes, helping researchers understand disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Dr. Kurland’s work contributes to advancing our knowledge of diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.

Laboratory Collaborations

(Name of lab) current collaborators include: list names here. If you've added collaborators to your team page, link to their profiles. For example: Dr. Layla Cronin, Boston Children's Hospital.