Dillon King, PhD Candidate
Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment
Programs: Integrated Toxicology & Environmental Health Program (ITEHP) & Environment
She / Her / Hers
Proper mitochondrial function is crucial to maintaining cellular health and disruptions to mitochondrial homeostasis are associated with a variety of diseases. Sex-linked differences in mitochondrial ATP production, enzyme activities, and reactive oxygen species generation have previously been reported, as well as differences in susceptibility to mitochondrial toxicants. Both nuclear epigenetics and mitochondrial epigenetics can influence mitochondrial function through regulating gene expression and accessibility of DNA. This work aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which nuclear epigenetics, namely DNA methylation, influence sex differences in basal mitochondrial function and responses to environmental exposures, as well as how mitochondrial DNA compaction by the protein Transcription Factor A Mitochondrial (TFAM) influences susceptibility to DNA damaging agents.
About the Speaker: Dillon King is a 5th year PhD Candidate in the Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program working under Dr. Joel Meyer and Dr. Susan Murphy. She received a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.S. in Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University in 2017. Her thesis research aims to understand how epigenetics regulate differences in mitochondrial function and susceptibility to environmental chemicals.
Thursday, April 27, 2023, 12:00-1:15 pm Eastern
Field Auditorium Room 1112, Grainger Hall (9 Circuit Dr, Durham, NC)
Masks are optional for in-person attendees. Please stay home if you aren’t feeling well and join us via livestream instead (see below).