Research Summary
Obesity and type 2 diabetes affect millions of Canadians, dramatically increasing their risk of heart disease, liver damage and cancer. To develop new tools to treat and prevent these metabolic disorders, we need to better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate energy and blood sugar (glucose homeostasis). As Canada Research Chair in NeuroMetabolic Pharmacology, Dr. Alexandre Caron is studying how the brain and metabolic organs communicate to regulate blood sugar and energy use—and what goes wrong in diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Using advanced tools in neuroscience, pharmacology and genetics, Caron and his research team are identifying new drug targets and testing combinations that can improve glucose control while avoiding cardiovascular side effects. Their research could lead to safer, more effective treatments for chronic metabolic conditions and provide new information about how we can prevent them.