Helle S. Waagepetersen

Helle S. Waagepetersen

Guest Researcher

ORCID: 0000-0003-4583-8379

Primary fields of research

The research in NeuroMet is focused on energy and amino acid metabolism in the mammalian brain. Primary mouse cell culture systems of neurons and astrocytes from cerebral cortex or cerebellum are extensively employed. In addition, acutely isolated cortical prisms, isolated mitochondria and cell lines are applied as model systems. An array of 3H, 15N and 13C isotopes are utilized in the mapping of metabolic pathways and their regulation. HPLC and mass spectrometry are key analytical tools combined with biochemical assays, protein biochemistry, molecular biology and confocal microscopy.

Current research

Ongoing projects

  • Elucidation of mechanisms involved in the regulation of energy metabolism in neurons during activation.
  • Importance of heteroenzyme complex formation in regulation of astrocytic energy metabolism  
  • Importance of glycogen for neurotransmission and brain function.
  • Importance of GDH1&2 for neurotransmission and energy metabolism in neurons and astrocytes.
  • Involvement of branched-chain amino acids in ammonia homeostasis of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
  • Importance of the two isoforms of GAD, GAD65 and GAD67, for synthesis of GABA.
  • Brain glycogen metabolism in relation to diabetes.
  • Brain and muscle metabolism in hepatic encephalopathy.

ID: 983216