Nutritional Biochemistry Workshop

The workshop is based on a paper published by Professor Jaap van Milgen, “From the biochemical pieces to the nutritional puzzle: using meta-reactions in teaching and research”.

The paper describes the concept of a meta-reaction (ie the outcome reaction of a series of individual biochemical reactions) and how meta-reactions can be used to construct complete pathways. The paper includes a link to a tool that participants can download, and we will use this tool to go over a series of metabolic pathways. Participants get a hands-on experience constructing these pathways and analyse associated aspects of these pathways (eg energy released, respiratory quotient).

Workshop objectives:

• Become (more) familiar with the biochemical background of the main metabolic pathways in animals (and humans): How do we make ATP for maintenance? What is the biochemical (and thus maximal) efficiency of making lipids from glucose? What is the cost of storing energy and utilizing it later on?
• Be able to calculate the stoichiometric balance of complete pathways
• Understand the relationship between “energy systems” and nutritional biochemistry
• Become aware that the energy value of a nutrient depends on its use.

Five sessions:

2 sessions Wednesday 27 January

2 sessions Thursday 28 January

1 session Friday 29 January.

Sessions will be approximately 2.5hrs in duration:

1. Introduction; working with the tool; ATP synthesis from glucose and palmitic acid
2. ATP synthesis from amino acids; gluconeogenesis
3. Fatty acid and fat synthesis
4. Energy storage, mobilization, and transfer
5. 1-carbon metabolism (e.g., methionine, uric acid, serine and glycine)

During each session, the topic will be introduced then participants will work with the tool on some assignments, either working alone or with another participant. At the start of each session, we will go over the assignments of the previous session to identify issues and discuss any problems. Participants will be provided with the assignments in pdf and, once done, a copy with the answers.

Important details

• There is no cost to attend the 3 day workshop, however participants will need to organise and pay for their own meals, accommodation and transport to and from Camden Campus each day.
• Participants are required to bring their own computer with Excel 2019 or later installed.
• Single day attendance is not possible. Assignments will be set and work will progress from one day to the next.
• Maximum 40 places available.