Using a Yeast Model of MSUD to Understand Pathology

Dr. Ehud Gazit

Tel Aviv University

MSUD affects metabolism in many ways. Improved understanding of the mechanisms by which MSUD affects physical and mental health is an essential step in developing improved treatments. To this end, Dr. Ehud Gazit has developed a model of MSUD in yeast. Yeast is a fungus (think mushroom) made of a single cell. They have used this model to study what happens to cells when they are exposed to toxic levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), as occurs in MSUD. Their next step will be to try to identify specific compounds which will reduce the toxicity of the BCAAs.

This project was supported by the Million Dollar Bike Ride, sponsored by the Orphan Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania.