RESEARCH
Our research is based on the idea that obesity and type 2 diabetes are diseases of the nervous system, consequent to miscommunication between the brain and metabolic organs.
We study the pathophysiological mechanisms that alter brain-organs communication in metabolic diseases and aims to identify new molecular and pharmacological targets in the brain and peripheral organs to improve energy and glucose metabolism. We focus on defining neuronal circuits involved in the control of liver and adipose metabolism, and investigating autonomic receptor signaling pathways in metabolic organs.
MISCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE BRAIN AND LIVER
Research is needed to better understand the chronology of autonomic dysfunctions in the liver in order to apply the right strategy at the right time to prevent and treat metabolic diseases.
IS OBESITY A DISORDER OF NEUROTRANSMISSION?
A better understanding of the receptors and pathways by which neurotransmitters act to regulate body weight carries hope for future treatment of obesity, a disease of the nervous system.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN NORDIC ENVIRONMENT AND CHRONOBIOTICS
The Arctic and sub-Arctic zones are characterized by extreme light regime (photoperiod), extreme temperatures (cold), and unique dietary habits (Nordic diet). The main thrust of our efforts is to understand the complex interactions between photoperiod, cold and Nordic diet on cardiometabolic and neurometabolic health using transdisciplinary approaches (funded my Sentinel North).
CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR IN NEUROMETABOLIC PHARMACOLOGY
The MISSION of the Canada Research Chair in NeuroMetabolic Pharmacology is to make the fields of obesity and diabetes move forward and to directly impact on health research and clinical practices, by uncovering molecular and pharmacological targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
TEACHING OLD DRUGS NEW TRICKS
Supported by the Quebec Research Networks on Drug (RQRM) and CardioMetabolic health, Diabetes and Obesity (CMDO), this collaborative project with Dr. Denis Blondin (GSK Research Chair in Diabetes, Université de Sherbrooke) aims to teach olds drugs new tricks for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD).
HARNESSING THE POWER OF CHEMOGENETICS
Chemogenetics is an approach used to genetically engineer receptors that interact with previously unrecognized small molecule chemical actuators. Originally developed to control neuronal activity, chemogenetics is emerging as a key tool for selective pharmacological control of GPCR signaling in any cell type or organ (funded by NSERC).