About
The Grossman Lab is part of the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, located in the School of Medicine at Wayne State University. The Center focuses on genetic and genomic research, using metabolic, evolutionary, and model system approaches among others. A number of physician researchers are part of the Center, which allows us to span basic research and translation. Operating as a center, we are a campus-wide unit, responsible both to the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Vice President for Research.
Our lab studies energy regulation and focuses primarily on the mitochondrial electron transport chain. We have a particular interest in cytochrome c oxidase (COX). COX is the terminal of the four complexes and catalyzes the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. COX is composed of subunits coded by both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA. The electron transport chain produces most of the energy we use; as a result, even small deficiencies in energy production can affect major energy consuming organs such as brain and contractile muscle.
We use biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational and genomic methods to explore questions about how energy is produced and finely regulated in sickness and in health. We have two current areas of emphasis. One is the function of cytochrome oxidase isoforms and their regulation for tissue specific function. This is being carried out with a focus on lung specific COX4i2. The second area is study of a particularly interesting regulatory gene and protein, MNRR1 / CHCHD2, which functions in two cellular compartments, the mitochondria and the nucleus. An unusual feature is that it has different functions in each compartment: it regulates metabolism and apoptosis in the mitochondria and it serves as a transcription regulator of many genes, including itself, in the nucleus.
On the web
People
Lawrence Grossman, PhD
Director, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Henry L. Brasza Professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Professor of Internal Medicine
Bio
We work on mitochondrial molecular genetics. Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles because they have their own DNA and genetic machinery but must cooperate with the nucleus to function. Mitochondria contain about 1500 proteins, most nucleus encoded, and carry out a number of functions, most centrally to provide most of the energy in the cell. So important is proper energy functioning that mitochondria turn out to be responsible for, or to be involved in, a growing array of diseases, including many common late onset diseases such as various peripheral neuropathies, cardiomyopathies, and type II diabetes. We are focusing increasingly on mitochondrial disease mechanisms, including genomic approaches to population disease susceptibilities. We are also interested in the evolutionary emergence of an enlarged neocortex, the most highly oxygen-utilizing tissue.
On The Web
Lawrences at Wayne University: https://www.genetics.wayne.edu/faculty/lawrence-grossman