Carolyn Hsu

Program: Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Current advisor: Dave Pagliarini, PhD

Undergraduate university: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2022

Enrollment year: 2023

Research summary
Identification of Regulators of CoQ Biosynthesis

Coenzyme Q or CoQ is a highly hydrophobic molecule that is involved in many cellular processes including electron transport, antioxidation, acting as a cofactor for various mitochondrial enzymes and a role in inhibiting ferroptosis. It is endogenously synthesized in the inner mitochondrial membrane and a lot of work has been done to characterize the multiple steps and enzymes involved in this process. However, little is known about the regulatory factors involved in ensuring appropriate and coordinated synthesis of CoQ. Because CoQ function is dependent on its concentration in cellular membranes, it is likely that multiple levels of regulation occur to ensure adequate levels are produced. In order to identify potential regulators of CoQ biosynthesis, my project will take advantage of high-throughput screens, lipidomics and proteomics to identify and characterize potential regulators. This is important because CoQ deficiency comprises a subset of mitochondrial diseases and a better understanding of how the synthesis of CoQ is regulated can provide insights into potential treatment options for these diseases.

Graduate publications