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Profile - Anne Jokiaho
Anne Jokiaho
Contact Information
E-mail: jokiaho@usc.edu
Mail Code: 0371
Started at USC: Fall 2005
Education:
2005 – present
Graduate Student, Integrative & Evolutionary Biology
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
1996
B.S., Clinical Chemistry and Hematology (Molecular Biology)
Helsinki Laboratory Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Faculty Advisor(s):
Dr. Casey Donovan, Kinesiology
Collaboration(s):
Dr. Alan Watts, Neuroscience
Research Topics: hypoglycemia, portal-mesenteric glucosensors
Research Description:
I am a fourth year graduate student in Dr. Donovan’s lab. We are interested in the underlying mechanisms by which the body detects low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Episodes of hypoglycemia impair defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia by down-regulationg glucose counterregulation and hypoglycemia unawareness. This induces a vicious cycle of recurrent hypoglycemia known as hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) that constitutes the primary limitation to effective treatment of diabetes. Dr. Donovan’s research group focuses on the abnormalities in glucose sensing with a particular interest in peripheral glucose sensors located in the gut. My own studies will concentrate on understanding the role of portal-mesenteric glucosensors in pathological states such as HAAF and diabetes. These studies will combine complex in vivo experiments with immunocytological imaging of the brain and portal-mesenteric vein, to elucidate the role of portal-mesenteric glucose-sensing in mediating glucose homeostasis.
Research Abstract:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) presents the greatest challenge to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in type I diabetes and the late stages of type II diabetes. Episodes of hypoglycemia impair defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia by down-regulationg glucose counterregulation and hypoglycemia unawareness.�� This induces a vicious cycle of recurrent hypoglycemia known as hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) that constitutes the primary limitation to effective treatment of diabetes.�� We are interested in the underlying mechanisms by which the body detects hypoglycemia. Dr Donovan’s research group focuses on the abnormalities in glucose sensing with a particular interest in peripheral glucose sensors located in the gut.��
Blood glucose homeostasis relies on the integration of sensory input from both brain and peripheral hypoglycemia sensors. We have demonstrated that the functional roles of the glucoreceptors residing in the portal-mesenteric veins and in the central nervous system (CNS) are quite distinct. The portal-mesenteric glucose sensors are primary in the detection of hypoglycemia when it develops slowly over 70 minutes.�� In contrast, when hypoglycemia develops rapidly within 20 minutes, the dominant glucose sensory input derives from the brain. These findings further suggest a functional model, whereby peripheral glucose sensors of the portal-mesenteric vein provide the primary input during modest hypoglycemic adjustments, with CNS glucose sensors providing an emergency override. My own studies will concentrate on understanding the role of portal-mesenteric glucosensors in pathological states such as HAAF and diabetes. Furthermore, investigate the interaction and integration between CNS and the peripheral glucose sensors. These studies will combine complex in vivo experiments with immunocytological imaging of the brain and portal-mesenteric vein, to elucidate the role of portal-mesenteric glucose-sensing in mediating glucose homeostasis.
We also have a very successful collaboration with Dr. Alan Watts, professor of biological sciences and director of the Neuroscience Research Institute in USC College, to further learn about glucose homeostasis in the brain and neuronal responses to various metabolic stressors.
CV: Click to view