Northwestern University
Mitochondrial control of physiology and disease
The mission of the lab is to discover new biology linked to mitochondria and metabolism that controls physiological responses and diseases including cancer, viral pneumonia, neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer's) and aging. A key aspect of this mission is also to train the next generation of “discoverers” in a supportive environment.
Lab News
2026-05-28
‘Toxic’ Molecule Plays Vital Role in Gene Regulation and Development
A molecule once thought to be a harmful metabolic byproduct may play a crucial role in early development and gene regulation, according to a new study published in Nature that challenges decades of biochemical assumptions.
2023-08-10
Chandel Receives 2023 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences
Navdeep Chandel, PhD, the David W. Cugell, MD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, has been named a recipient of the 2023 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH).
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For more information about the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences and a list of previous winners, please visit fnih.org/LuriePrize.
2026-05-12
Metformin Slows Mitochondrial Energy Production, Promotes Glycemic Control
For decades, physicians and scientists thought metformin, the leading Type 2 diabetes medication taken by millions worldwide, mainly targets the liver to suppress glucose production. But a new Northwestern study in mice, published in Nature Metabolism, has found this “wonder drug” instead focuses primarily on the gut, acting to prevent glucose levels rising in the blood by driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine.
2025-03-21
How Metabolism Can Shape Cells’ Destinies
Quanta Magazine: A growing body of work suggests that cell metabolism — the chemical reactions that provide energy and building materials — plays a vital, overlooked role in the first steps of life.
Podcasts and Other Appearances
2025-05-31
CSHL Leading Strand: Interview with Navdeep Chandel
An interview with Navdeep Chandel for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 89th Symposium on Quantitative Biology: SENESCENCE & AGING
Interviewed by: Melina Casadio, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
2023-10-18
2023 Awards Ceremony: Lurie Prize Award Fireside Chat
Now in its 11th year, the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences recognizes outstanding achievement by promising scientists aged 52 or younger. The prize includes a $50,000 honorarium to each awardee, made possible by a donation to the FNIH by philanthropist Ann Lurie, President of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation and President of Lurie Holdings, Inc.
The 2023 winners, selected by a distinguished jury of biomedical researchers, chaired by Solomon H. Snyder, MD, Vice Chairman of the FNIH Board, were honored at the FNIH 11th Annual Awards Ceremony on the evening of October 18, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
This video presents the full fireside conversation between FNIH President & CEO Dr. Julie L. Gerberding and the 2023 winners, Dr. Navdeep Chandel and Dr. Vamsi Mootha, taken from the full recording of the 2023 Awards Ceremony.