Investigating the function of novel enzymes in lipid metabolism 

Professor Robin Duncan’s research team combines approaches in functional genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cellular and comparative physiology to investigate the function of novel enzymes in lipid metabolism. 
We are a functional genomics laboratory, with a “full spectrum” approach. In our broadest application, we start by identifying putative novel enzymes (“genes of interest”) by genetics database mining and sequence analysis, looking for conserved functional motifs.
Next, we clone one or more transcripts, produce recombinant protein, and analyze function in test tube reactions.
Finally, we use viral and gene targeting approaches to increase or decrease levels of the test protein in mice and cells, with the objective of understanding and treating human diseases. 

Meet our people

Robin E. Duncan

Principal Investigator, Assistant Professor

Professor Duncan completed her BSc (Hons) at the University of Guelph (Biological Sciences), followed by a PhD at the University of Toronto (Nutritional Sciences), and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley (Nutritional Science).