When investigating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism in skeletal muscle, is measuring protein expression alone enough to understand how metabolic activity is regulated?
BCAA catabolism is controlled in part by the phosphorylation state of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. Understanding this regulatory mechanism requires researchers to look beyond protein abundance and examine post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation.
In this free online seminar, Dr. Koichiro Sumi of Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. will present a research application of automated capillary Western technology, focusing on how lauric acid influences BCAA metabolism through an O-GlcNAc-sensitive regulatory mechanism.
Presentation Language: The presentation will be delivered in Japanese.
What Does It Take to Understand BCAA Metabolic Regulation?
Branched-chain amino acids play an important role in energy metabolism throughout the body, including skeletal muscle. Altered BCAA metabolism has attracted considerable research interest because of its association with various metabolic disorders.
The BCKDH complex, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step in BCAA catabolism, is regulated through reversible phosphorylation of its E1α subunit by BCKDH kinase (BDK) and the phosphatase PPM1K.
To understand these regulatory processes, researchers must evaluate not only protein abundance but also changes in phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications, such as O-GlcNAcylation.
As experimental conditions and target proteins become more complex, consistent quantification, comparability across samples, and efficient analytical workflows become increasingly important considerations.
How Was Automated Capillary Western Technology Used in BCAA Research?
The study featured in this seminar investigated the effects of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, on BCAA metabolism in skeletal muscle cells.
The researchers demonstrated that lauric acid increases BCKDH phosphorylation and suppresses BCAA oxidative flux through an O-GlcNAc-sensitive regulatory mechanism.
Automated capillary Western technology was used to analyze BCKDH phosphorylation and global O-GlcNAcylation, providing quantitative information about protein modifications associated with metabolic regulation.
The published study used ProteinSimple’s Wes or Jess systems for protein abundance and phosphorylation analysis, while BCAA metabolic flux was evaluated separately using stable isotope tracing.
Through this research example, participants can explore how automated capillary Western technology can support quantitative protein analysis and the investigation of phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways.
Seminar Presentation
Application of a Fully Automated Capillary Western System in the Analysis of BCAA Catabolic Regulation
Speaker:
Dr. Koichiro Sumi
Wellness Science Labs, 3G
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
This presentation will introduce a study investigating how lauric acid suppresses BCAA oxidation through an O-GlcNAc-sensitive BCKDH regulatory mechanism in skeletal muscle cells.
Using BCKDH phosphorylation and global O-GlcNAcylation as examples, Dr. Sumi will discuss the application of automated capillary Western technology in protein analysis.
Who Should Attend?
- Researchers studying BCAA metabolism and skeletal muscle energy metabolism
- Scientists investigating protein phosphorylation and post-translational modifications, including O-GlcNAcylation
- Researchers interested in quantitative protein analysis and measurement reproducibility
- Laboratories considering automation of conventional Western blotting workflows
- Scientists seeking practical examples of automated capillary Western technology in published research
Event Details
| Date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 12:15–1:00 PM (JST) |
| Format | Online webinar (Microsoft Teams) |
| Presentation Language | Japanese |
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Speaker | Dr. Koichiro Sumi Wellness Science Labs, 3G Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. |
| Organizer | ProteinSimple Japan K.K. |
| Registration | Advance registration required |
Related Publication
Sumi K, et al. “Lauric acid engages an O-GlcNAc–sensitive BCKDH regulatory node to modulate branched-chain amino acid oxidation in skeletal myotubes.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2026;302(9):113345.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2026.113345
Gain New Insights into Protein Analysis Through Real-World Research
Understanding metabolic regulation requires more than identifying which proteins are present. It also involves determining how their functional states change in response to cellular and metabolic conditions.
By examining a published study of BCAA metabolism, this webinar offers an opportunity to learn how automated capillary Western technology has been applied to protein phosphorylation and post-translational modification analysis.
Discover practical insights that may help you evaluate protein analysis approaches for your own research.
Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 12:15–1:00 PM JST | Free Online Webinar
Prepared by: ProteinSimple Japan K.K.
