Stephen Gardell
Director, Translational Research Resources, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona

Stephen Gardell's research could help scientists understand and treat obesity and metabolic diseases. [Photo: Michael Cairns]

» Stephen Gardell and his study of metabolomics is breaking new ground in research that could help understand and treat obesity and metabolic diseases. Metabolomics is the measurement of metabolites (small molecules) in blood and tissues. Humans have 7,000 to 8,000 metabolites in our bodies such as amino acids, sugars or fat, Gardell says. "They are what make us all tick." He believes metabolites provide a signature of our health, disease and the effects of drugs. "They are a window to gauge what is happening."

Gardell is optimistic that measuring biomarkers will help in recognizing differences in how diseases develop. Understanding how that happens, he says, could help with individualized prevention and treatment plans.

In early 2011, Gardell and his team became part of a corporate-sponsored research agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical and the Translational Research Institute at Florida Hospital. Under the agreement, the institute provides biological source material such as blood and tissues from humans for Gardell's team to measure metabolites.

The aim of the collaboration is to identify biomarkers and novel drug strategies for developing more personalized treatments for obesity. "What we need to understand is why people have a predisposition to obesity."

Gardell says his team's work could provide information to help with drug treatment strategies for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The team is participating in numerous investigations for researchers at Sanford-Burnham and elsewhere.