Natalie Karagodsky

Assistant Professor of Biology

I am a biologist with a passion for understanding how the body functions and how these processes change as we age. In the lab, I utilize molecular, physiological and behavioral assays, along with the model organism C. elegans, a tiny millimeter long worm, to explore the molecular pathways that regulate aging and stress resistance. Our research focuses on SKN-1, the ortholog of Nrf2, a key transcriptional regulator of the antioxidant defense, fatty acid oxidation, protein homeostasis, and innate immunity.

In the classroom, particularly in courses like Anatomy and Physiology and Endocrinology, I’m fascinated by the intricacies of how the body works and what happens when molecules or structures fail to function properly. In Human Nutrition, I enjoy examining how food and nutrients influence our risk for aging-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
 

What I Love About Emmanuel:

I love the small classes that allow for meaningful engagement with students, and the supportive community that is dedicated and eager to help every student succeed. 

Ph.D., Harvard University; B.S., Brown University

  • BIOL1215 Introduction to Nutrition
  • BIOL1919 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nursing Professionals 
  • BIOL1920 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nursing Professionals
  • BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I 
  • BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL3105 Endocrinology
  • Castillo-Quan JI., Steinbaugh MJ., Fernandez-Cardenas LP., Pohl NK., Wu Z., Zhu F., Moroz N, Teizeira V., Bland MS., Lehrbach N., Moronetti L., Teufl M., Blackwell TK. An Antisteatosis Response Regulated By Oleic Acid Through Lipid Droplet-Mediated ERAD Enhancement. Science Advances, 2023. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adc8917. 
  • Wu Z., Isik M., Moroz N, Steinbaugh MJ., Zhang P., Blackwell TK. Dietary Restriction Extends Lifespan through Metabolic Regulation of Innate Immunity. Cell Metabolism, 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.02.013. 
  • Moroz N, Carmona J., Anderson E., Hart A, Sinclair DA., and Blackwell TK. Dietary Restriction Involves NAD+-dependent Mechanisms and a Shift Toward Oxidative Metabolism. Aging Cell, 2014. doi: 10.1111/acel.12273. 
  • Mizunuma M., Neumann-Haefelin E., Moroz N, Li Y. and Blackwell TK. mTORC2-SGK-1 Acts in Two Environmentally -responsive Pathways with Opposing Effects on Longevity. Aging Cell, 2014. doi: 10.1111/acel.12248. 
  • Moroz N., Tong M., Longato L., Xu H., and de la Monte S. Limited Alzheimer-type Neurodegeneration in Experimental Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Alzheimers Disease, 2008. 15(1): p. 29-44. doi: 10.3233/jad-2008-15103 


 

  • Academic Technology and Innovation Group "Best New Faculty ECLearn Course Design" (2018)
  • NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Award T32 Training Grant in Diabetes & Metabolism (2009-2013)
  • NIH NIDDK Interdisciplinary Training in Genetics and Complex Diseases Roadmap grant (2008-2009)  
  • Brown University Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award (2007)

Aging is a natural process that all living organisms experience, marked by a gradual decline in bodily functions. Aging increases the risk of developing age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. One theory suggests that the buildup of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species contributes to these diseases. At the same time, many long-lived organisms have been found to enhance a process called xenobiotic detoxification, which involves the removal of harmful substances from the body.

In the tiny model organism C. elegans (a small worm), a transcription factor called SKN-1C plays a key role in controlling genes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification and the antioxidant response. SKN-1A, another isoform of this protein, is regulated by oleic acid, a healthy fat found in olive oil and central to the Mediterranean diet. SKN-1A is crucial for processes such as fat breakdown and degradation of misfolded or damaged proteins.

Our lab focuses on understanding how SKN-1 and its three isoforms are regulated, their links to well characterized biological pathways, and how they relate to diseases. We are also investigating how environmental pollutants, such as PFAS or "forever chemicals," which contaminate food and water and are linked to various adverse health outcomes in humans, including cancer and thyroid disease, are regulated by these pathways.