The Medicine by Design Global Speaker Series invites established and emerging international leaders in regenerative medicine to engage with our extraordinary community of researchers and clinicians.
Join speaker Ana Andreazza, Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Molecular Pharmacology of Mood Disorders, and Thomas C. Zachos Chair in Mitochondrial Research.
Hosted by Medicine by Design, in partnership with the McEwen Stem Cell Institute.
Talk title: Brain, mitochondria & metabolism: A transdiagnostic dimension
About Ana Andreazza
As a Professor at the University of Toronto in Pharmacology & Toxicology and Psychiatry, I hold the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Molecular Pharmacology of Mood Disorders and the Thomas C. Zachos Chair in Mitochondrial Research. I am also the Founder and Scientific Director of the Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, a Senior Fellow of Massey College, and a Member of the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars.
My research primarily explores the role of mitochondrial function in health and disease, focusing on neurological and psychiatric disorders, organ transplant and regeneration, and novel therapeutics for mitochondrial health improvement. A key area is the study of mitochondrial function in mood disorders like bipolar disorder (BD), where I’ve identified dysregulation in mitochondrial genes and are now using 3D brain organoids to investigate neurotransmission impacts. This could lead to personalized treatments for mood and mitochondrial disorders. In organ transplantation, my work centers on preserving donor organs, especially lungs, and improving transplantation outcomes. This involves studying cell metabolism and mitochondrial health, contributing to better donor-recipient matches and enhancing patient care. I also pioneer in mitochondrial transplantation and therapy, exploring the stability, safety, and efficacy of mitochondria transplant for regenerative medicine and chronic diseases.
Finally, my approach integrates cross-disciplinary collaboration, intertwining mitochondrial function with various health aspects. Leading the Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, I drive advances in mitochondrial biology and its health implications, promoting knowledge exchange and groundbreaking discoveries for patient and societal benefits.
This event will be held in-person only at the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, Red Room.