Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are related conditions including obesity, high cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. CMDs significantly increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, affecting >20% of Canadians. Central to CMD is the body's ability to process glucose, an essential energy source. Skeletal muscle plays a major role in glucose control, but when it becomes resistant to insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar levels) during CMD, the risk of heart disease and diabetes increase. Mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses in cells, are central to this dysfunction. However, assessing mitochondrial function in muscle is challenging due to the need for invasive biopsies. This research offers a non-invasive alternative by using platelets, a type of blood cell, as a marker for mitochondrial health. Early findings suggest that bioenergetics of platelets mirror the metabolism of muscle cells, offering a potential "liquid biopsy" for monitoring CMD risk. We will also explore how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which varies between populations due to ancient human migration patterns, impacts susceptibility to CMD. Notably, CMD rates differ significantly across ancestry groups, with some exhibiting higher rates of disease/mortality even when adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Genome-wide studies do not fully explain these disparities. Studying mtDNA differences may offer insights into why some groups face higher risks, and understanding these genetic factors may improve early detection and management. We will examine how mtDNA, diet, and sex influence mitochondrial function in muscle and platelets using genetically engineered mice and human participants. By tracking mitochondrial health over time, we hope to identify early changes that signal CMD onset. Identifying mtDNA-linked mitochondrial patterns will help tailor prevention strategies for high-risk individuals and improve personalized care while addressing healthcare inequalities.