Charles F. Burant, M.D., Ph.D.
Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Professor of Metabolism
Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Director, U-M Metabolomics and Obesity Center
New Approaches in Understanding and Treating Obesity
One of the most basic functions of organisms is to consume, store and then mobilize the energy required to perform work, and these processes are influenced by a wide variety of factors — from a person’s genes to societal forces. An imbalance in nutrient intake and energy expenditure results in weight gain and obesity. Despite a constant barrage of medical recommendations for dietary and behavioral changes and the desire of most people to lose weight, the majority of people attempting to battle obesity are unsuccessful.
Charles Burant and his team are taking advantage of technological advances that have made biological, chemical, behavioral and imaging tools readily available to study an individual’s response to nutrition. Their efforts are focused on understanding biological adaptations to weight loss. By collecting large amounts of data from studies in animals and humans and by using computational tools to integrate and analyze the data, a more complete picture of the metabolic changes associated with obesity and weight loss can be obtained.
Burant’s research utilizes metabolomics — the measurement of small molecules (metabolites) in biological samples. He has begun studies of metabolites in the blood of people before and after weight loss from bariatric surgery (the most successful weight loss method), comparing the changes to those found in people who have lost weight through dieting to give clues as to why surgery is more successful.
By combining the results of metabolomic analysis with other changes in metabolism and behavior, such as appetite, Burant hopes to understand what metabolites might more effectively signal the brain that an individual has eaten enough. This knowledge could provide better ways to change diets or lead to safer and more effective medications to reduce weight.
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Taubman Emerging Scholars Program
Request for applications
Applications are being accepted for the Taubman Institute Emerging Scholars Program.
The applicant must be a junior member of the faculty at the University of Michigan; generally, that means holding an assistant professor title. The applicant must have either an M.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. It is required that candidates both conduct basic research and treat patients.
Applicants should submit a two-to-three page research proposal, as well as a current CV. Priority will be given to proposals involving translational research. Please submit material to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The deadline is May 7, 2012.
Young Friends host festive NYC fundraiser
Reception introduced scholar candidate Dr. Parag Patil
About 125 supporters of cutting-edge medical research mixed socializing and science May 9 at a cocktail party in Manhattan hosted by the Young Friends of the Taubman Institute's New York City chapter.
The event introduced Dr. Parag Patil, a University of Michigan physician-researcher and a prospective Young Friends Emerging Scholar. Here's a clip from Dr. Patil's appearance on the TV program "The Doctors," where he demonstrates how deep-brain stimulation has helped a patient with Parkinson's disease.
Emerging Scholars are early-career clinician-scientists who show great promise in research aimed at new cures or treatments; through the Taubman Institute, donors support them with three-year grants while their labs earn the credentials to win broader funding support.
The Young Friends event, which raised a significant contribution toward the Emerging Scholars program, was held at the ABC Carpet & Home showrooms at 888 Broadway, Attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, a silent auction and a presentation by Dr. Patil. The silent auction included jewelry, fashion items, a Botox consultation and treatment, Morgan Hotel Group rooms and the opportunity to bid on a meeting and photo with former President William Jefferson Clinton.
Taubman Research
Dr. Max Wicha: Some treatments actually increase cancer stem cells
Avastin and Sutent have been found to increase the growth of breast cancer stem cells in mice, according to Taubman Scholar Dr. Max Wicha, director of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.
