Research Areas
- Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Pathophysiology of Metabolic Disorders
The prevalence of metabolic related diseases (e.g. type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome) in Canada and worldwide has reached epidemic level in recent years. These compromised metabolic states are commonly accompanied by lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities (atherosclerotic dyslipidemia profile) that contribute to the increased risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). At the center of atherosclerotic dyslipidemia is abnormal metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins secreted from the liver and the gut. Understanding how lipids are processed in the liver and the gut may provide novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia and ASCVD.
The long-term goal of our research program is to obtain mechanistic insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of metabolic disorders to improve health. Our lab uses integrative physiology and systems biology approaches to explore molecular mechanisms and physiological control of lipoprotein secretion in the small intestine and the liver in animal models. Of particular interest, we aim to identify and characterize novel molecules, including gut hormones and cellular proteins, in gut lipoprotein (chylomicron) synthesis and secretion in intestinal absorptive cells (enterocytes). We further study the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and related complications, e.g. diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms whereby genetic and environmental factors lead to lipid/lipoprotein abnormalities and ASCVD. We also use these tools and models to study the mechanism of action of lipid-modifying drugs and identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of dyslipidemia and ASCVD.
iPAM Lab 