Antentor “AJ” Hinton Jr

@phdgprotein86.bsky.social

Assistant Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University The Hinton Lab utilizes SBF-SEM and FIB-SEM to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate molecule transfer and morphology changes between the Mito and ER

Although Derlins are core components of ERAD, their paralog-specific roles have remained unclear. By analyzing all three in the same cellular context, we uncover clear non-redundant functions at the cellular level.

We reveal Derlin-2 is dominant paralog for ER stress relief & loss of Derlin-2 and Derlin-3 disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, including: • altered ER–mitochondria contact sites • impaired respiration • defective Ca²⁺ handling Linking ER protein quality control directly to mitochondrial function.

Mechanistically, we identify ORMDL3, a regulator of sphingolipid metabolism, as a Derlin-dependent ERAD substrate. Without Derlins → ORMDL3 accumulates and mislocalizes to ER–mitochondria contact sites, driving mitochondrial dysfunction.

Why does this matter? ORMDL3 is genetically linked to multiple diseases, including: asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disease, and cancer. Our findings suggest ERAD safeguards cellular health by preventing pathological ORMDL3 accumulation.

Conceptually, this work expands ERAD beyond misfolded protein clearance. Instead, Derlin-mediated ERAD can act as a spatial and quantity control system that regulates functional ER proteins to preserve organelle communication.

Importantly, ORMDL3 is genetically linked to several major diseases, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer, highlighting the broader biomedical relevance of this work. This work wouldn't have been possible w/o massive tour de force effort across multiple labs!

In the STEM Tea podcast, @phdgprotein86.bsky.social sits down with Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Associate Dean at Louisiana Tech University, to explore her unique model for supporting faculty, mentoring students and fostering a culture of authenticity >>> www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/ste... 🧪

STEM Tea | Humans first, professionals second

In this episode, AJ Hinton is joined by Lindsey Keith-Vincent, a first-generation college graduate who is passionate about STEM education.

biotechniques.com

What role do HBCUs play in student success? In the latest STEM Tea podcast episode, @phdgprotein86.bsky.social is joined by Haysetta Shuler, an I-O psychology consultant and HBCU supporter. Learn more about creating effective mentorships >>> www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/ste... 🧪

STEM Tea | Strengthening HBCUs

In this episode, Haysetta Shuler shares strategies for mentoring, maximizing opportunities, and the vital role of HBCUs in student success.

biotechniques.com

Had such a great conversation with @phdgprotein86.bsky.social. It's always great to go down memory lane with @heydrdukes.bsky.social to the early days of @blackinneuro.bsky.social, but listening back also gave me a much-needed reminder of the power of community, especially right now.

BioTechniques@biotechniques.bsky.social · last yr.

Surviving isn’t enough; underrepresented groups in academia need to thrive. In this STEM Tea episode, @phdgprotein86.bsky.social is joined by @brielleryan.bsky.social and @heydrdukes.bsky.social. Learn why visibility is sometimes the most important step >>> www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/ste... 🧪

What does it mean to ‘lift while you climb’? 🧗🏾‍♀️ In the latest STEM Tea podcast with @phdgprotein86.bsky.social, Clintoria Williams, co-founder of Black in Physiology, shares her insights on impactful mentorship and leading with your 'why'. Listen here >>> www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/ste... 🧪

STEM Tea | Impact and sustainability in mentorship

In this episode, Clintoria Williams shares her journey in mentorship, discusses balancing life and work, and highlights the mission of Black in Physiology.

biotechniques.com

Meet our 2024 cohort of Next Generation Leaders! For the next 3 years, they will network with other rising stars, participate in professional development, and share their ideas for future research directions.

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