Researcher | Research Overview
The primary aim of Ozcan laboratory is to delineate the molecular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress originated pathologies in obesity. The two main focus areas are insulin and leptin receptor signaling and their crosstalk with the unfolded protein response pathway. Dr. Ozcan's group employ a multi-disciplinary approach that draws on mouse genetics, endoplasmic reticulum physiology & pathophysiology, biochemistry, chemical biology and proteomics to identify key metabolic pathways that determine the cell’s response to physiologic and pathophysiologic ER stress. The ultimate goal of this integrated approach is to unravel the potential therapeutic targets in unfolded signaling pathway in order to reduce ER stress in obesity and find a cure for treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. The Ozcan group has made seminal discoveries in these areas and currently also working on potent drugs that could be future treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researcher | Research Background
Umut Ozcan received his MD degree from the University of Istanbul. He completed his research training at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard School of Public Health.