Research Projects

The multiple sclerosis prodrome

The multiple sclerosis prodrome

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease in which genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease development. Research in the Tremlett Laboratory is investigating the MS prodrome. A prodrome is an early, often nonspecific, set of signs and/or symptoms indicating onset of a disease. These have been shown to occur five to ten […]

Multiple social tie transitions and their impact on cardiometabolic risk factors in aging women and men (MORE)

Multiple social tie transitions and their impact on cardiometabolic risk factors in aging women and men (MORE)

Social connectedness is important for promoting healthy aging among Canadians. However, there is very little research examining whether and how changes in different social ties influence the biological indicators of aging, or how their effects vary for women and men. This CIHR-funded project allows Dr. Conklin’s lab to examine how multiple social ties increase hypertension […]

Biological mechanisms associated with increased longevity in the World’s blue zones

Biological mechanisms associated with increased longevity in the World’s blue zones

Blue Zones are regions of the world where people on average live longer and remain healthier in old age compared to other regions. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one such region. The biological mechanisms leading to this increased longevity are not well understood. In collaboration with researchers from Stanford University, the Kobor Lab […]

Environmental and genetic mechanisms underpinning Parkinson’s disease

Environmental and genetic mechanisms underpinning Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder with increasing worldwide prevalence. Although a number of genes and environmental factors influencing Parkinson’s disease susceptibility have been identified, the mechanisms underpinning their joint contributions to disease pathogenesis are not fully understood. Research in the Kobor lab is investigating the role of DNA methylation, an epigenetic mark which […]