Speaker: Emeritus Professor Anwar Suleman Mall, University of Cape Town 

Biography:

Anwar Suleman Mall holds a BSc degree with majors in Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Durban-Westville, a BSc (Hons) Med (1981) and MSc (Surgical Sciences) (1985) from the University of Cape Town and a PhD from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K. (1988). His research was on the role of mucus in health and disease in the surgical research laboratories of the Division of General Surgery at UCT, where he trained Honours, Masters and PhD students and presented his work at approximately 30 international conferences. He has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Some highlights of his career: 

  • 2017-2018, Emeritus Professor (Chair in Surgical Research) and Senior Scholar in the Department of Surgery 
  • 2015-2016, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Transformation at UCT 
  • 1989-2016, Warden in the UCT Student Housing sector and Chair of College of Wardens 
  •  2012 Assistant Dean Student Matters Faculty of Health Sciences 
  • 2011 Golden Key Award (UCT chapter) 
  • 2006, a guest of the Royal Society at the University College, London for a short period 
  • 2002/03, recipient of the Oppenheimer Award for a sabbatical at the Cystic Fibrosis Research Unit of the University of Oxford
  • Deputy Portfolio Manager for Student Support in the Health Sciences Faculty
  • 2000 Distinguished Teacher Award for undergraduate teaching 
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist  

 

Topic:

" The Gut-Brain Axis: in relation to its structure, function, mucus secretion and microbiota”

Summary:

Biologically we are a conglomeration of organ systems working in harmony with one another to ensure our survival. One such system is the gastrointestinal system or gut, a continuous tubular structure from the mouth to the anus, the complexity of which lies in its various organs, each with its own environment and function. Ultimately the function of the gut is to extract and absorb nutrients from digested food, and to expel waste material by defecation. Whilst the gut is vulnerable to infection by harmful bacteria, it also harbours large populations of commensal bacteria which play an important role in our survival. Even more intriguing is a gut-brain axis, a communication between the enteric nervous system and the brain, thus regulating behaviour and ensuring a sense of individual well-being! This lecture will focus on reported components of this axis, why the gut is regarded as ‘the second brain’ and the possible role of the gut in mental disease.

 

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Hybrid meeting: In-person in the VBH Auditorium or join via Zoom online 

 

Kindly Note:  The recording will be uploaded on the department’s website http://www.psychiatry.uct.ac.za/lunchtime-lectures

Please allow for 2-3 working days.

 

Register in advance for this meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.