John Seubert, MSc, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Pharmacology Toxicology Cardiovascular Mitochondria Lipid Mediators

About

Education

BSc 1992, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada

MSc 1997, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada

PhD  2002 University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Visiting Fellow             2002-2005, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, RTP, NC

Appointments

July, 2015                   Professor - Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

July, 2009-2015          Associate Professor - Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

July, 2005 – 2009       Assistant Professor - Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

June, 2011-                 Adjunct Professor – Dept. Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine

Research

Summary

  Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals who have increased susceptibility to stress factors likely to cause lethal outcomes. Geriatric patients comprise greater than 75% of patients presenting with coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. Ischemic heart disease is a major contributor of CVD yet development of successful therapies has remained elusive.  Heart damage begins to occur after it has been deprived of oxygen (ischemia) for an extended period of time. While the immediate return of blood flow (reperfusion) to the heart is important, it too can damage the heart. Ischemia-reperfusion injury can significantly affect key components of the cell, such as mitochondria. In the heart, mitochondria provide about 90% of the energy for cardiac function. While the etiology of age-related cardiovascular pathogenesis is poorly understood, it has been shown that deterioration of mitochondria over time plays a critical role in age-related cardiac dysfunction. Mitochondria are critical to cardiomyocyte survival and heart function, so maintenance of a healthy mitochondrial population is essential for the preservation of healthy cardiac muscle. Dietary sources of essential fatty acids have a significant effect on cardiovascular health. The overall goal my program is to investigate the cardioprotective role of novel metabolites produced from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in dietary sources. Proteins within a cell metabolize these fatty acids into active molecules called epoxy lipids. These molecules are involved in regulating different functions in the body.  Our research has demonstrated they can limit mitochondrial injury.  Thus, the objective how this occurs and target these molecules as viable therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or treat mitochondrial damage caused heart disease.  We aim to identify new regulatory mechanisms and advance our understanding of mitochondrial function.

Our goal is to explore the roles of novel epoxy lipids derived from dietary fats. I focus on the beneficial effects of epoxy lipids toward cardiac mitochondrial biology with the intention to translate research outputs into new therapeutic agents for treating ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

Specific Aims

• To investigate the role of EETs and EDPs in cardiac mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology in both young and aged hearts
• To design and develop novel compounds based on the chemical structure and function of EETs and EDPs
• To explore new ideas about how EETs and EDPs regulate apoptosis pathways

Teaching

Undergraduate:

PHARM 203 - Introduction to Pharmacology 1

PHARM 401 - Toxicology, Drugs of Abuse and Related Pharmacology

PMCOL303 - Toxicology

Graduate courses:

Pharm 630 - Metabolism and Excretion of Drugs

PHARM 564 - Toxicology of Pharmaceutical Agents and Related Xenobiotics

PHARM 566 - Cellular Aspects of Drug Delivery and Targets

PHARM573 - Analytical Techniques in Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHARM 203 - Introduction to Pharmacology 1

Introduces students to fundamental principles of pharmacology that will form the basis for future pharmacotherapy courses. Core concepts of pharmacology, including theoretical aspects of drug-receptor interaction, dose-dependence of drug action, and the effects of drugs on nervous and cardiovascularl systems will be covered. (Restricted to Pharmacy students).

PHARM 401 - Toxicology

Provides students with fundamental knowledge of toxicology of prescription and non-prescription medications and substances with misuse potential. Clinical relevance of toxicology will be explored through the examination of drug toxicity to specific target organs and approaches to managing poisoning and adverse drug reactions. (Restricted to Pharmacy students.)

PHARM 564 - Toxicology of Pharmaceutical Agents and Related Xenobiotics

Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of drug-induced damage. Key concepts include toxicological principles, toxicokinetics, toxic responses, bioactivation of drugs to toxic metabolites, organ directed toxicity, immunotoxicology, and receptor-mediated toxicity. Specialized topics include clinical and medical toxicology, forensic toxicology, pharmacoepidemiology related to drug toxicity, safety assessment of pharmaceutical agents, and environmental toxicology. Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty.

PHARM 566 - Cellular Aspects of Drug Delivery and Targets

The goals of this course are to discuss fundamental topics in cell and molecular biology and introduce students to important concepts in cellular structure and function as they relate to the design and development of novel drugs. Drug targets for macromolecules, including vaccines, proteins and genetic material will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty.

PHARM 573 - Analytical Techniques in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The course emphasizes the key skills required to study and explore recent trends in pharmaceutical analysis and the latest analytical technologies. The core analytical techniques such as chromatography, LC-MS, ELISA, and, electrophoresis will be discussed in detail along with hands-on experience during laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PHARM 570 or consent of the Faculty. Offered alternate years.

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