Professor
B.Sc. (Bombay), M.Sc. (Wales) Ph.D. (Waterloo)
Office: S-213
Lab: S-212
Address:
Dr. V. Appanna
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Laurentian University
Sudbury, ON
P3E 2C6
Telephone: (705) 675-1151, ext 2112
FAX: (705) 675-4844
Internet:
vappanna@laurentian.ca
Click here for personal webpage
Cellular Adaptation and Biotechnology

1. Molecular adaptation.

Our research is aimed at elucidating the mechanisms that enable living systems to adapt to abiotic stress. The metabolic shift triggered by the stress allows a better understanding of the functional proteome that enables these cells to survive. Hence, metabolomic and proteomic studies provide a holistic approach to study molecular adaptation and toxicology.

2. Homeostasis, Metabolism, Toxicology.

We have recently shown a pivotal role for such TCA cycle enzymes as aconitase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase in the adaptation to Al stress. The characterization and regulation of these enzymes are being delineated. The involvement of the TCA cycle in ROS detoxification and homeostasis of pyruvate and a-ketoglutarate are also being deciphered. Using model systems like HepG2 and kidney embryonic cells, the impact of metal stress on cellular metabolism is being explored in an effort to understand molecular toxicology. TCA cycle, urea cycle ,oxidative phosphorylation and differentiaton in these metal-challenged cells are being investigated.

3. Biotechnology

Microbes are being conditioned to remove metals from industrial and domestic effluents. The use of immobilized cells in bioremediation processes and their adaptability to multiple-metal stress are being explored. We are also tailoring microbes to mine metals from low-grade ores and to produce biofuel from landfill sites. The overproduction of economically important biomolecules is also being exploited.

Selected Publications

R. Mailloux and V.D. Appanna (2006)

                        Aluminum toxicity triggers the nuclear translocation of HIF-1" and promotes

anaerobiosis in hepatocytes.

Toxicology in Vitro.  21 : 16-24 pdf

R. Mailloux, R. Sing and V.D. Appanna (2006) 

                        In-gel activity staining of NAD⁺ kinase by Blue Native-PAGE.

                        Analyt. Biochemistry.  359 : 210-215  pdf

R. Singh, R. Bériault, D. Chénier, J. Middaugh, R. Mailloux, R. Hamel and V.D. Appanna (2006)

                        Simultaneous monitoring numerous TCA cycle enzymes by Blue Native

Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis.

                        Asian Journal of Biochemistry.  1 : 297-306 pdf

R. J. Mailloux, R. Hamel and V. D. Appanna (2006)

Aluminum toxicity elicits a dysfunctional TCA cycle and succinate accumulation in hepatocytes.

J. Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology.  20 : 198-208 pdf

N. Belzile, G. Wu, Y. Chen and V. Appanna (2006)  

Detoxification of selenite and mercury by reduction and mutual protection in the assimilation of both elements by Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Sci Total Environ.  31 ; 367(2-3):704-14

R. Singh, D. Chénier, R. Bériault, R. Mailloux , R.D. Hamel and V. D. Appanna (2005)

Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and the Monitoring of Malate- and Oxaloacetate -Producing Enzymes.

 J. Biochem. and Bioph. Meth.  64: 189-199 pdf

Rated in the top 4 articles in Science Direct