Dr. Miriam Greenberg is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences..

Main Discipline(s):

Main Professional Societies:

Affiliation(s):

  • Genetics, molecular and cell biology of lipids
  • ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
  • BSF (Barth Syndrome Foundation)
  • Wayne State University Department of Biological Sciences
What are your undergraduate and graduate degrees in and from where?
B.A. Biology Reed College
M.S. Microbiology Loyola University
Ph.D. Genetics Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Give a brief summary (250 words or less) of your current area of research.
Among the most exciting outcomes in the past two decades of biology research is the realization that lipids are key players not only in membrane structure and energy production, but in the regulation of membrane proteins, signal transduction, vesicular trafficking, secretion, and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Thus, it is not surprising that perturbation of lipid metabolism leads to a wide spectrum of pathologies, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Sophisticated analytical technology has revealed that each class of lipids is characterized by extensive structural diversity with the potential to mediate numerous cellular processes. Elucidating the specialized functions of lipids is the next frontier in biology research. In the Greenberg laboratory, we utilize the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and relevant mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin, the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, and how perturbation of mitochondrial lipid metabolism causes the severe genetic disorder Barth syndrome. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs, which are used to treat bipolar disorder. These studies have implications for understanding the pathology underlying cardiovascular disorders and the therapeutic mechanisms of action of drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
How did you arrive at your current area of research?

My doctoral studies with Dr. Susan Henry introduced me to the exciting world of lipids and their roles in nearly all essential cellular functions and to the power of yeast genetics to explore major questions in the field. When I started my independent research as an assistant professor, I focused initially on the regulation and function of mitochondrial lipids. Research discoveries have an exciting way of introducing us to new ideas and avenues of exploration, and the finding (by others) that perturbation of mitochondrial cardiolipin metabolism causes the life-threatening genetic disorder Barth syndrome motivated me to guide my research into understanding the mechanisms causing the dysfunction in Barth syndrome. In a similar manner, my long-standing interest in the regulation of inositol metabolism originating from my doctoral studies were directed into understanding the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder after it was discovered (again by others) that one such drug (lithium) causes inositol depletion.

What do you see as a current emerging area of research that you would like to participate in and why?

Oxidative lipidomics is a fascinating area of research that has emerged thanks to the development of cutting-edge mass spectrometry tools. I have been fortunate to be able to establish a wonderful collaboration with Dr. Valerian Kagan (University of Pittsburgh), a pioneer in this field, in order to test hypotheses regarding the generation and consequences of lipid oxidation.

Tell us your (one) favorite STEM research paper or book.   Why it is your favorite?
Answered in the next question.
Do you have a favorite scientist, engineer or other role model? Who is it and why?

I have been inspired by many women role models in sciences. Inspiration regarding how to run my laboratory, interact with my lab members, and keep focused on my research no matter the obstacles has always come from my Ph.D. advisor, Susan Henry, who is a terrific scientist and has remained a mentor during my entire career.

Many other women scientists have inspired me by their dogged determination in the face of enormous obstacles – Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Katalin Kariko to name just a few. But the scientist I have been thinking of a great deal recently is Rachel Carson. Despite unbridled sexism as well as powerful opposition from large corporations, Rachel Carson persisted with her research leading to the publication of Silent Spring, which triggered the environmental movement. What a profound contribution to the world! I am also greatly moved by her book The Sense of Wonder, in which she suggests that nurturing in children the joy, excitement, and mystery in the natural world is more important than filling them with facts. This concept has greatly influenced my interactions and shared experiences with my own daughter.

What do you do for fun outside of your role as a woman in STEM?

 I love gardening, cooking and bread baking, and playing the piano.

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