The WSU Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics will host another installment of its "Hot Topics in Molecular Medicine" seminar series this Friday, April 28 at 4 p.m., in Scott Hall's Jaffar Auditorium. Drs. Lawrence I. Grossman, professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, and Maik Huttemann, assistant professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, will discuss the role of energy in normal cell function and the pathology that follows when energy becomes limited.

The Hot Topics in Molecular Medicine seminar series, which was introduced in January, is dedicated to exploring exciting issues in the branch of medical research that reveals how genes influence -- and how they can sometimes be used to treat -- disease.

"Energy is the currency of life, and the old folk observation that someone is 'full of energy' as a measure of good health turns out to be right on the mark," Dr. Grossman said. "What has come to be appreciated is that the mitochondrion, the cellular organelle where 90 percent of energy is generated, is operating close to its design limits and is extremely prone to damage. Such damage has potentially disastrous consequences for both the organelle and the host cell."

More and more disorders, including chronic neurodegenerative diseases, stroke and heart reperfusion injury, diabetes, cancer and aging, are being associated to a greater or lesser degree with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Complimentary valet parking is provided at the University Health Center garage. A catered reception will immediately follow the lecture. For more information, please contact Mary Anne Housey at (313) 577-5323 or info@genetic.wayne.edu.