Mathieu Laplante Laboratory
Research
Obesity and cancer both affect the lives of millions of people. The progression of these diseases has a significant socio-economic impact. Studies in recent years show that obesity and cancer share some similarities with respect to mechanisms involved in their development. The research program of the laboratory focuses on common cellular signals involved in the developement of these pathologies.
RESEARCH THEMES
FROM OBESITY TO CANCER
ADIPOGENESIS
The development of the adipose cell is a complex process which is not yet fully defined. The factors that inform stem cells to orient their fate towards the adipogenic lineage are not well known. Understanding how adipose tissue develops may provide new avenues for the treatment of obesity.
OBESITY-RELATED DISEASES
Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, type II diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. We are interested in understanding how obesity affects the metabolism of peripheral tissues and how these tissues communicate with each other during these disturbances.
CANCER
Nutrients and growth factors are required for tumor development. These elements enable anabolism, growth and cell division by activating several signaling pathways, including the mTOR pathway. Studies indicates that modulation in mTOR signaling deeply affetcs gene expression and that this effect could contribute to cancer.