
Profiles
Dr Charles Affourtit
Associate Professor (Reader) in Mitochondrial Biology
School of Biomedical & Healthcare Sciences (Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry)
Role
Research
Mitochondrial Biology
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/biomedical-research-group/mitochondrial-biology
Current lab members
Module Leader
BHCS1003 - Human Metabolism (Stage 1)
Personal Tutor
Biomedical Sciences students
Qualifications
Positions
Plymouth University - UK
Reader in Mitochondrial Biology, 2016-
Seahorse Bioscience - Billerica USA
Scientific consultant, 2009-2010
Buck Institute for Age Research - North-Bay Area USA
Visiting Scientist, 2009-2010
MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit - Cambridge UK
Investigative Scientist with Prof. Martin Brand, 2004-2009
University of Sussex - Brighton UK
Post-Doctoral Research Associate with Prof. Tony Moore, 1999-2004 Degrees
PGCert in Academic Practice
Plymouth University, 2011
DPhil in Biochemistry
University of Sussex, 2000
MSc in Biology
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1995
Professional membership
Societies
Biochemical Society since 1995
Mitochondrial Physiology Society since 2007
Higher Education Academy since 2012
Teaching interests
Biochemical basis of disease
Metabolic control and regulation
Enzymology
To me, teaching and research are intimately linked activities, as I appreciate the importance of transferring cutting-edge knowledge and, perhaps more importantly, as I wish to inspire and enthuse the next generation of researchers. I currently teach fundamental biochemistry to undergraduates at all stages of various degree programmes and, firmly informed by my research, I show how this basic science underpins the development of metabolic disorders, and how it drives disease diagnosis and management. My lab accommodates many undergraduate students for summer, placement and dissertation projects. If nothing else, the transferable skills gained from such projects are invaluable and greatly enhance student employability. Furthermore, I am keen to engage postgraduate students in my work, and to prepare them for independent research careers.
Research interests
Generally, I am intruiged by the role of bioenergetic failure in disease pathophysiology. In particular, I wish to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction affects glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and the insulin responsiveness of skeletal muscle. Defects in insulin secretion and action that arise in obesity are both features of the Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of medical disorders that collectively increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. My current projects focus on (1) the physiological role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 in beta cells, (2) mitochondrial involvement in beta cell glucolipotoxicity, (3) the bioenergetics of fatty acid-induced insulin resistance of skeletal muscle, and (4) the effect of dietary nitrate on skeletal muscle function.
Grants & contracts
Measuring the bioenergetics of electrically stimulated skeletal muscle cells
University of Plymouth (PUPSMD) - PhD Studentship
October 2017 - September 2020
Medical Research Council - Research Grant MR/L022079/1 (with Kim Tieu (PI), Robert Fern and Erwan Bezard)
Total value: £513K
Why do pancreatic beta cells waste energy?
Medical Research Council - New Investigator Research Grant G1100165/1
February 2012 - April 2016
Total value: £434K
Mitochondrial involvement in pancreatic beta cell lipotoxicity
University of Plymouth (Faculty of Science and Technology) - PhD Studentship
October 2011 - September 2014
Total value: £60K
Key publications are highlighted
Journals