Journal of Psychiatry

Subhash D Katewa

Biography

Dr. Katewa is interested in understanding how circadian clocks regulate metabolism, aging and lifespan. Circadian systems organize critical physiological and behavioral functions by coordinating gene expression and metabolic processes throughout the organism. Disruption of circadian clocks has been associated with accelerated aging and is a risk factor for several age-related diseases, such as cancer, obesity and diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. More importantly, circadian regulation is ignored in most studies of aging even though it can frequently explain discrepant findings. Dr. Katewa’s interdisciplinary research is at the intersection of circadian and aging biology and could dramatically alter the way in which aging is studied and treated. Dr. Katewa received his PhD from M.S. University of Baroda in India and completed postdoctoral training at University of Iowa and at the Buck Institute. During his postdoctoral work Dr. Katewa made a significant discovery that dietary restriction leads to significant enhancement of mitochondrial function and that this is necessary for the lifespan extension by dietary restriction (Cell, 2009, 139(1):149-160). In a follow-up study he showed that the enhanced mitochondrial functions are a prerequisite for fatty acid synthesis and subsequent oxidation indicating a change in energy metabolism upon dietary restriction (Cell Metab. 2012, 16(1):97-103). His research is supported by funding from American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), National Institute of Aging (NIA) and a startup grant from Larry L. Hillblom Foundation (LLHF).

Research Interest

Membrane function; Erythrocytes; Mood disorder