Recent CNRC News
Researchers join consortium to prevent type 2 diabetes in children - Sept. 20, 2023
Low-glucose sensor in the brain promotes blood glucose balance - July 11, 2023
Oops. After ten years and 1,000 studies, epigeneticists uncover trouble in their tool box - Jan. 11, 2023
Grb10 offers a potential new approach for treating obesity - Jan. 3, 2023
Serotonin 2C receptor associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior - Dec. 19, 2022
Scientists patent gene that may help cope with climate change - Sept. 29, 2022
Recent CNRC Member Highlights
Dr. Nancy Moran has been recognized as an outstanding reviewer for The Journal of Nutrition (JN) in 2024, as announced by the American Society for Nutrition. Congratulations to Dr. Moran for this achievement, which reflects her exemplary review quality, quantity, and timeliness throughout 2023. (April 2024)
Perry Rainosek transitions to ARS Deputy Chief of Staff
After dedicating 21 years of leadership to the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), Perry Rainosek is embarking on a new chapter within the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Recently Perry held several temporary assignments with the USDA, while simultaneously continuing to support the CNRC. Perry has now embraced a permanent role as the USDA, ARS Deputy Chief of Staff. While the agency is based in Washington, DC/Beltsville, MD, Perry will continue to work remotely from the Houston area. Throughout his tenure at the CNRC, Perry ensured seamless federal operations. The CNRC faculty and staff owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unwavering dedication. We extend our heartfelt wishes for success in his new role.
Dennis M. Bier, M.D. Symposium: The Future Directions of Nutrition Research - Houston, TX
A Symposium held on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) celebrated the remarkable scientific career and leadership of Dr. Dennis M. Bier, a distinguished figure in pediatric endocrinology and nutrition research. Dr. Bier's journey began with his graduation from Le Moyne College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, followed by fellowships at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and service in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Returning to Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), he co-directed the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, pioneering research in mass spectrometry to explore nutrient kinetics and metabolic pathways.
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Bier's influence extends to leadership roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and directorships at WUSM and the CNRC at Baylor College of Medicine (1993-today). His commitment to mentorship and scientific rigor has propelled advancements in pediatric nutrition research. The afternoon symposium served as both a homage to his career and a critical examination of the strengths and weaknesses within the field of nutrition. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Morey Haymond and presentations by prominent researchers: Dr. David Allison, Dr. Elmquist, Dr. Christopher Newgard, and Dr. David Klurfeld. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Teresa Davis, followed by a reception attended by colleagues from across the nation, honoring Dr. Bier's extraordinary career.
Alvin Tak, a University of Houston student currently engaged in research within Michael Dzakovich's lab has been selected as an IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) scholar. Alvin will dedicate the upcoming year to conducting studies in Dr. John Ngai's laboratory, with a specific focus on olfactory nerve regeneration. With ambitions of becoming a clinician-scientist, Alvin is determined to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. program in neuroscience. (February 2024)
Dr. Kristine McDermott, a fellow in Dr. Xu’s lab here at the CNRC, has been selected as the Trainee Representative for the Neuroscience Section of The Obesity Society (TOS). In this role, Kristine will play a key part in shaping the 2024 TOS meeting as a member of the leadership board. (December 2023)
Stephanie Sisley, an associate professor at the CNRC and a specialist in pediatric endocrinology and obesity medicine, highlighted in her New York Times interview that pediatric obesity doesn't have a dedicated treatment specialty, posing challenges in assigning responsibility and securing an adequate number of physicians to address the problem effectively. (December 2023)
Yongxiang Li, a CNRC post-doc in Dr. Xu’s lab was recently awarded an American Diabetes Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (1-24-PDF-56) for his project “Treating obesity caused by TRPC5 deficiency” (January 2024). This prestigious fellowship serves as a testament to his dedication in advancing our understanding of diabetes and its management. (December 2023)
Dr. More Haymond, a distinguished professor emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, has received the 2023 Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumni Award. He defined the regulation of leucine and protein metabolism, and his use of minidose glucagon and dosing algorithm are now common practice in pediatric and diabetes practice. The award was established in 1981 by the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees to acknowledge and show appreciation for exceptional contributions of Mayo Clinic alumni to medicine. (November 2023)
Dr. Nancy E. Moran, an assistant professor here at the CNRC, offered her expert insights on the health advantages of the tomato carotenoid, lycopene, in a recent article featured in The New York Times. (November 2023)
In a Science article, Dr. Stephanie Sisley, who has recently been promoted to the position of Associate Professor (congratulations), recounts her personal journey of reevaluating her approach to work-life balance. Her narrative sheds light on the significance of professional connections and the unanticipated assistance that can arise during life's toughest trials. (November 2023)
Mengjie (Emma) Wang, from Dr. Xu's lab recently received an F32 award from NIH-NICHD (1F32HD112123-01A) for her project "Nutrition Regulates Sexual Function." This award will support her research and certainly help advance her career. Congrats! (October 2023)
Yong Xu, Ph.D. received the BCM 2023 Michael E. Debakey Excellence In Research Award. (October 2023)
Teresia O’Connor, M.D., M.P.H., has been selected to be a mentor for the APS/SPR Journeys and Frontiers in Pediatric Research program (2023/2024). The national program is for early career pediatric researchers nominated by their chairs to receive career mentoring, feedback on research, and networking with experienced pediatric researchers in academia. (October 2023)
Alexis Wood, Ph.D. was invited to be Chair of the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Interest Section at ASN (3-year term, currently Chair-elect). (October 2023)
Jayna Dave, Ph.D., has been elected to the Society of Pediatric Research. (October 2023)
Highlights Archive
New to the CNRC
Xia Gao Ph.D. (Bella)
Xia Gao Ph.D. (Bella) received her doctoral degree in biochemistry from University of Alberta, Canada, where she was trained in phospholipid metabolism under Drs. Dennis Vance and René Jacobs in 2015. From 2015-2021, she pursued her post-doctoral training initially with Dr. Jason Locasale, and then with Drs. Christopher Newgard and Donald McDonnell at Duke University. In December of 2021 Dr. Gao joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics-CNRC and holds a secondary academic appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Dr. Gao’s lab is keen in understanding the interactions of nutrition, metabolism, and metabolic disease, particularly amino acid metabolism in cancer and obesity.
Xia Gao, Ph.D., received a R00 from NIH-NCI (R00 CA237618) for her project “Understanding methionine metabolism and its therapeutic potential in cancer” (April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2025), and a CPRIT (PEND-CANCER PREV & RSCH RR210056) for her project “Employing dietary methionine restriction to enhance chemotherapy efficacy” (Aug. 31, 2021 - Aug. 30, 2026).
Michael Dzakovich
Michael Dzakovich Ph.D. (Mike; Tomato) joined the CNRC during September, 2021 as a research plant physiologist with the USDA-ARS. Michael was most recently a postdoctoral research scholar at the Plant’s for Human Health Institute (NC State University) in Dr. Mario Ferruzzi’s laboratory studying carotenoid absorption. Previously under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Cooperstone, Michael completed a doctorate at The Ohio State University focused on defining the health benefits of tomato consumption using targeted and untargeted metabolomics, transcriptomics, and quantitative genetics. The Dzakovich Lab seeks to leverage analytical chemistry and plant breeding strategies to elucidate the genetic and environmental underpinnings of phytochemical metabolism, deliverability, and health impacts. In his free time, Michael has been learning guitar accompaniment of Andalusian folk music since 2008, distance cycling, building/repairing things, and all things food.
Hari Krishna Yalamanchili
Hari Krishna Yalamanchili (Hari) joined the CNRC as an assistant professor in February 2021, and he also has a secondary academic appointment at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, BCM. Prior to joining CNRC, Hari did his postdoctoral training primarily focusing on computational neurogenomics jointly in the laboratories of Dr. Zhandong Liu and Dr. Huda Zoghbi in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at BCM. His lab develops computational and machine learning models leveraging multi-omic datasets to understand the fundamental and translational aspects of various neurological disorders. His goal is to bridge computational and experimental approaches to decode complex biological phenomena. Making data talk is what keeps him motivated. His areas of investigation include RNA processing, regulatory network systems and epigenomics. At leisure, Hari is likes to cook, hike, camp, and travel.
Clavia Ruth Wooton-Kee
Clavia Ruth Wooton-Kee (Ruth) joined the CNRC as an assistant professor in January 2021, and she has a secondary academic appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Prior to joining the CNRC, Ruth was a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. David Moore in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Her lab focuses on the molecular pathways that mediate hepatocellular injury and nuclear receptor regulation of metabolism. Ruth grew up in the Hyden, Kentucky, a small town in the Appalachian region of Eastern Kentucky. Outside of her scientific pursuits, Ruth’s young family keeps her busy, and she has devoted much time in support of her daughter’s various extracurricular pursuits. Ruth also enjoys running, flower gardening, music, and hiking.
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel (Ben) received his bachelor's degree in microbiology and chemistry from St. Cloud State University, and in 2004 received his doctoral degree in genetics from the University of Utah, where he trained under Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Capecchi. From 2005-2010, he was a post-doctoral fellow with Drs Lawrence Katz and Michael Ehlers at Duke University. In December of 2010 Dr. Arenkiel joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and holds adjunct positions in the Department of Neuroscience and the CNRC. Dr. Arenkiel grew up in north central Minnesota, where he enjoyed playing sports and spending time outdoors. His hobbies include gardening, fishing, and golfing. His lab is currently investigating how genes and activity interface to build, maintain, and remodel neuronal connections in the brain, as well as how basal forebrain circuits influence eating disorders and neuropsychiatric disease.
