Prof. dr. 
Patrick Schrauwen – Professor of Metabolic aspects of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM school for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism – Maastricht University
Dr. Joris Hoeks – associate professor of Nutrition and Movement Sciences
Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM school for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism – Maastricht University
Topic
We identified mitochondrial (dys)function as a contributor to muscle (metabolic) health in aging and showed that modulating metabolic flexibility and mitochondrial function, e.g. through exercise training, contributes to improved health related parameters. In addition, we have shown a 24-hour rhythm in mitochondrial oxidative capacity and that this rhythmicity is severely blunted in older individuals with pre-diabetes. Our main research focus is to study if we can modulate mitochondrial function (rhythmicity) and if this translates in improved muscle function and metabolic health. For our human interventions studies, we have created unique infrastructure and developed novel technology which permits a non-invasive approach to metabolism; extended by studies in tissues sampled and cells grown from participants in our studies, that allow a molecule-to-man approach.
Main aims
- Does a reduction in mitochondrial function underly reduced muscle health in ageing?
- What is the role of lifestyle (physical activity, diet, circadian)?
- Can we boost NAD+ metabolism to prevent age-related decline in muscle function?
- Which molecular changes underly muscle ageing?
Methodology
- Human (clinical) intervention studies, including deep metabolic phenotyping:
- High-resolution respirometry
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of liver, heart, muscle: 31P, 1H and 13C MRS
- PET-MRI and MRI scanning
- Body composition
- Indirect calorimetry (hood, ergometry, whole-room calorimetry)
- Insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps)
- Muscle/fat biopsies, blood sampling
Funding
- ZonMW
- Health Holland
- Dutch Diabetes Foundation
- ERC
- Industry (food and pharma)
