Donors Make a Difference: Faiz Hussain, recipient of the NSERC Post Graduate Doctoral Scholarship

Describe your research

Brown fat is specialized to undergo thermogenesis, a process where it burns energy. Our prior research has shown that creatine participates in an energy-wasting (futile) cycle within brown fat, and a key effector of this pathway is a protein named tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). My current project has identified that a metabolite derived from fat breakdown serves as a potent catalyst for the futile creatine cycle when it binds to TNAP. Furthermore, we have unraveled the mechanism through which this binding triggers TNAP activation, identifying crucial regions on the protein that are essential for this binding process. 

How does your research help cancer patients?

The activation of brown fat energy expenditure is linked to reducing obesity and tumour progression. Nevertheless, much of the intricate regulatory systems governing brown fat activation remain unknown, and a successful therapeutic approach to induce brown fat activation has not yet been found. These recently identified regulatory sites on TNAP hold promise as novel targets for future endeavors in drug development aimed at activating adipocyte thermogenesis to combat disease.

How has the studentship made a difference in your life? 

The Post Graduate Doctoral Scholarship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) I have been awarded provides financial support, enabling me to dedicate myself to my academic pursuits and research at the GCI. This invaluable support is greatly appreciated, as it empowers me to strive toward and attain my academic aspirations. Furthermore, awards such as the Canderel Conference Travel Award have afforded me the opportunity to showcase my research, establish connections, and foster collaborations with fellow researchers on a global scale. These experiences have played a significant role in nurturing my growth as a scientist and significantly enhancing the reach and influence of my research.