The main focus of my PhD is Glutamate Decarboxylase Like 1 (GADL1) and the consequences of reduced or non-existent enzyme function. Our findings show that GADL1 participates in the decarboxylation of aspartate to β-alanine; thus, influencing the levels of the dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) in our GADL1 mouse model. Many are familiar with β-alanine and carnosine as sports supplements, as carnosine can delay lactic acid production during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) due to its pH-buffering capabilities. Although the functional output of these supplements is debated, other studies also show that carnosine can function as an antioxidant and neuromodulator, possibly affecting the development of e.g. neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

I primarily work on the GADL1 mouse model using techniques such as behaviour analysis, western blotting, metabolomics (LC-MS, HPLC, ¹H-NMR) and transcriptomics (RNA sequencing), and R-analysis.

Previously, I was involved in a project on ADHD and neurometabolic disorders. 

@ the University of Bergen

• Biochemistry (FARM150) 

  • Lab-assistant: enzyme kinetics

• The first year of medicine- and odontology (MEDOD1, MEDOD2)

  • Lab-assistant: enzyme kinetics, carbohydrates, diffusion and osmosis, DNA lab

 

Academic literature review

• Homaei, Selina Cannon; Barone, Helene; Kleppe, Rune et al. (2021). ADHD symptoms in neurometabolic diseases: Underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. (external link)

Academic article

• Mahootchi, Elaheh; Homaei, Selina Cannon; Kleppe, Rune et al. (2020). GADL1 is a multifunctional decarboxylase with tissue-specific roles in β-alanine and carnosine production. (external link)

See a complete overview of publications in Cristin.

Links:

Selina Cannon Homaei, Helene Barone, Rune Kleppe, Nibal Betari, Andreas Reif, and Jan Haavik, ADHD symptoms in neurometabolic diseases: Underlying mechanisms and clinical implications (2022).

Elaheh Mahootchi, Selina Cannon Homaei, Rune Kleppe, Ingeborg Winge, Tor-Arne Hegvik, Roberto Megias-Perez, Christian Totland, Floriana Mogavero, Anne Baumann, Jeffrey Colm Glennon, Hrvoje Miletic, Petri Kursula and Jan Haavik, GADL1 is a multifunctional decarboxylase with tissue-specific roles in β-alanine and carnosine production (2020).