by Kristen Ashworth, Kyla Demkiv, and Nayaab Punjani

Dear IMS,

Welcome to our Spring Issue of the IMS Magazine on Metabolic Health!

As we begin to experience the Canadian spring thaw, most of us find ourselves stepping outside more, which means embracing fresh air, going on longer walks, and soaking in more Vitamin D—all of which contribute to improving our metabolic health, having direct effects on our lifespan and quality of life. In this issue, we are excited to showcase the remarkable research going on within our IMS community that is advancing our understanding of metabolic diseases, and uncovering innovative strategies to optimize our metabolic health to promote longevity.

We are excited to feature Dr. Daniel Drucker, who has redefined the landscape of diabetes and weight-loss management through his groundbreaking work on GLP-1 receptor agonists. In this feature, we explore the collaborative path that led him and others to the development of therapies like semaglutide, and what the future holds for this remarkable therapeutic.

In addition, we highlight the work of four scientists at IMS that are leading new avenues of research in metabolic health: Dr. Cynthia Luk, studying fat tissue dysfunction in obesity and diabetes; Dr. Herbert Gaisano, investigating the cellular mechanisms behind insulin secretion to understand diabetes; Dr. Rodrigo Mansur, exploring the intersection of metabolic health and mood; and Dr. Subodh Verma, studying the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular and peripheral arterial diseases.

Our viewpoints in this issue cover a broad range of topics, from the rapid rise of GLP-1 pharmacologics and questions around their regulation, to evolving definitions of obesity that play a role in our approach to its treatment. In addition, we explore the often-overlooked metabolic consequences of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications and emerging strategies to mitigate them. We also examine how weight is shaped not only by individual choices but by structural inequities to care, food, and healthy environments, and, more specifically, we dive into the factors that have contributed to obesogenic conditions in Indigenous communities in Canada. Finally, we discuss the enduring appeal of fad diets, and why sustainable, evidence-based approaches (though less glamorous) remain essential for long-term health.

We’re also extremely excited to announce a new addition to the IMS Magazine, showcasing a written piece from Dr. Betty Zou’s modular course in Science Communications, MSC1126. This issue features an article regarding GLP-1 and its protective effects on the brain, and how these benefits may vary based on biological sex. We’re thrilled with the creation of this section to highlight more individuals within the IMS community, and look forward to additional contributions from the course as time goes on. 

Our spotlight articles in this issue highlight the academic and career journeys of a couple of outstanding members of the IMS community—Lauren de Freitas, IMS alumna and current Senior Specialist at Ontario Health, and Dr. Mitchell Elliot, a medical oncologist and current IMS student in the PhD program studying liquid biopsies for cancer detection.

The Editors-in-Chief extend a sincere thank you to our magazine team–our journalists, editors, and designers–who have made this issue possible. We are fortunate to have so much passion, talent, and hard work in one place to make the magazine all that it is!

Happy Spring, and happy reading!

Sincerely,

Kristen Ashworth

Kristen is a PhD student studying the use of a human-based retinal organoid model to investigate cell therapies for genetic eye disease under the supervision of Dr. Brian Ballios at the Krembil Research Institute.

Twitter: @K_Ashworth01

Kyla Demkiv

Kyla is a PhD student studying the mechanism of action of novel therapies for lymphoma under the supervision of Dr. Armand Keating, Dr. John Kuruvilla, and Dr. Rob Laister.

Twitter: @kylatrkulja_

Nayaab Punjani

Nayaab is a PhD student examining a neuroprotective drug therapy for cervical-level traumatic spinal cord injury at the Krembil Research Institute under the supervision of Dr. Michael Fehings.

Twitter: @nayaab_punjani