Resume

• 2007

  University of Calgary

  University of Calgary

• 2002

  Children's National Medical Center

  Discovery DNA

  Children's National Medical Center

  Chief Scientific Officer

  Calgary

  Alberta

  Canada

  Discovery DNA

  Discovery DNA

  Calgary

  Canada Area

  Chief Scientific Officer

• 1999

  PhD

  Biochemistry & Physiology

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  Animal Physiology

  Carleton University

• Lifesciences

  Science

  PCR

  Data Analysis

  Molecular Biology

  Cell Biology

  Teaching

  Research

  Biochemistry

  University Teaching

  Statistics

  The ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Fitness in Healthy Young Adults.

  Homozygosity for a premature stop codon (X) in the ACTN3 \"sprinter\" gene is common in humans despite the fact that it reduces muscle size

  strength and power. Because of the close relationship between skeletal muscle function and cardiometabolic health we examined the influence of ACTN3 R577X polymorphism over cardiovascular and metabolic characteristics of young adults (n = 98 males

  n = 102 females; 23 ± 4.2 years) from our Assessing Inherent Markers for Metabolic syndrome in the Young (AIMMY) study. Both males and females with the RR vs XX genotype achieved higher mean VO2 peak scores (47.8 ± 1.5 vs 43.2 ±1.8 ml/O2/min

  p = 0.002) and exhibited higher resting systolic (115 ± 2 vs 105 ± mmHg

  p = 0.027) and diastolic (69 ± 3 vs 59 ± 3 mmHg

  p = 0.005) blood pressure suggesting a role for ACTN3 in the maintenance of vascular tone. We subsequently identified the expression of alpha-actinin 3 protein in pulmonary artery smooth muscle

  which may explain the genotype-specific differences in cardiovascular adaptation to acute exercise. In addition

  we utilized targeted serum metabolomics to distinguish between RR and XX genotypes

  suggesting an additional role for the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in human metabolism. Taken together

  these results identify significant cardiometabolic effects associated with possessing one or more functional copies of the ACTN3 gene.

  The ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Fitness in Healthy Young Adults.

  Preventing physical inactivity and weight gain during college is critical in decreasing lifelong obesity and associated disease risk. As such

  we sought to compare cardiometabolic risk factors and lifestyle behaviors between college students enrolled in Kinesiology and non-Kinesiology degree programs in order to assess whether health and exercise degree programs may influence health behaviors and associated disease risk outcomes. Anthropometrics

  fasting blood glucose

  insulin

  lipid profiles and HbA1c%

  blood pressure

  and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were assessed in 247 healthy college students. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA) was calculated using glucose and insulin levels. Self-reported physical activity from the Paffenbarger questionnaire was collected to estimate the average caloric expenditure due to different types physical activities. Despite no significant differences in BMI or waist circumference between groups

  Kinesiology majors presented with ∼20% lower fasting insulin levels and HOMA (p=0.01; p<0.01

  respectively) relative to non-majors. Kinesiology majors reported increased weekly participation in vigorous intensity sport and leisure activities and

  on average

  engaged in >300 MET-hr/wk

  while non- Kinesiology majors engaged in <300 MET-hr/wk. (p=0.01). Our data suggests that students enrolled in Kinesiology degree programs display improved healthy behaviors and associated outcomes (parameters of glucose homeostasis). Practical outcomes of this research indicate that implementing components of a comprehensive Kinesiology curriculum encourages improved health behaviors and associated cardiometabolic risk factors.

  Examination of Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in University Students Enrolled in Kinesiology Degree Programs.

  Jane Shearer

  Kimberly E. Connors

  Metabolite profiles of individuals possessing either the cardiovascular risk or protective variants of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) associated 1p13.3 locus of the SORT1 gene (rs646776) were analyzed. Serum metabolites and lipids were assessed using LC-MS based metabolomics in a healthy young population (N=138

  95 males

  43 females). While no significant differences were observed in the combined cohort

  divergent sex effects were identified. Females carrying the protective allele showed increased phosphatidylcholines

  very long chain fatty acids (>C20) and unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are considered protective against cardiovascular disease. In contrast

  males carrying the protective allele exhibited decreased long-chain fatty acids (≤C20) and sphingomyelins

  which is similarly considered to decrease cardiovascular disease risk. No significant changes in clinically assessed lipids such as LDL-C

  high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C)

  total cholesterol or triglycerides were observed in females

  while only LDL-C was significant in males. This indicates that apart from reducing LDL-C

  other mechanisms may contribute to the protective effect of the SORT1 locus. Thus

  the analysis of metabolic biomarkers might reveal early disease developments that may be overlooked by relying on standard clinical parameters.

  Metabolomics reveals the sex specific effects of the SORT1 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol locus in healthy young adults

  Hittel