Assistant Professor

Adam Metherel

Department of Nutritional Sciences

PhD

Publications

Location

Medical Sciences Building

Address

1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 1A8

Research Interests

blood biomarkers, docosahexaenoic acid , eicoapentaenoic acid , metabolism, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sex differences, synthesis, genetics

Qualification

Research Associate, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (2020-2021)
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (2014-2020)
Mitacs Elevate Industrial Postdoctoral Fellowship, Certo Labs Inc. and University of Waterloo (2012-2014)
PhD, Kinesiology, University of Waterloo (2008-2012)
MSc, Kinesiology, University of Waterloo (2005-2007)
BSc, Kinesiology, University of Waterloo (2000-2005)

LinkedIn Google Scholar ResearchGate

At a Glance

Dr. Metherel leads a translational research program investigating the role of sex, genetics and dietary fatty acids on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and its implications in health.

About Dr. Adam Metherel

Dr. Adam Metherel recently commenced his position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in September 2021. He previously trained as a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellow with Certo Labs Inc. and a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate in the Department with Dr. Richard Bazinet, after completing his PhD in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo with Dr. Ken Stark.

Research Synopsis

Dr. Metherel leads a NSERC, CIHR and CFI-funded translational research program studying the role of sex, diet and disease on omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis and metabolism. N-3 PUFAs include EPA and DHA consumed primarily from fish and seafood sources, and ALA, an essential fatty acid, consumed primarily from plants. Using pre-clinical rodent studies, his program has identified sex and dietary n-3 PUFA specific differences in liver n-3 PUFA synthesis and heart n-3 PUFA metabolism. He also has ongoing clinical projects investigating the role of sex and genotype on human n-3 PUFA synthesis rates from dietary ALA and EPA. Recent funding has the program exploring the impact of high-fat diets, n-3 PUFA supplementation and MASLD on liver and heart n-3 PUFA metabolism and atherosclerosis. Overall, Dr. Metherel’s findings have implications for more tailored n-3 PUFA dietary strategies based on sex, genotype and health status.

Recent Awards and Distinctions (Selected)

American Society for Nutrition Foundation, National Scientific Achievement Awards: E. L. R. Stokstad Award (2024)

Current Lab Members

Dandan Li - Postdoctoral Fellow

Amy Symington - PhD student

Ruxandra Rotarescu - PhD student

Narjes Mosavari - PhD student

Niko Ivosevic - MSc student