Jonathan Long, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Stanford University

Research Description: The overarching goal of the Long Lab is to uncover the signaling pathways that control mammalian energy metabolism. The laboratory garners unique capabilities in both mass spectrometry technologies and molecular metabolism. A series of innovative mass spectrometry methods have been developed by the lab, which is then combined with classical biochemical and genetic approaches in cell and animal models to functionally connect these molecules to metabolic regulation and homeostasis. Recent studies from the Long Lab have identified a family of cold-regulated circulating lipids that stimulate mitochondrial respiration as well as an exercise-inducible metabolite that suppresses feeding and obesity. It is suspected that many more remain to be discovered. In the long term, Dr. Long hopes to translate these discoveries into therapeutic opportunities that matter for metabolic and other age-associated chronic diseases. Dr. Long collaborates extensively with many members of the NORC.