Cardiometabolic diseases encompass a spectrum of disorders that affect the cardiovascular and metabolic systems, leading to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. These diseases are characterised by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, making them a significant global health concern. However, recent advancements in the field are expected to lead to precision medicine and personalised treatment options.
The Metabolic Diseases research community (RC) is dedicated to developing novel, innovative solutions for the management of cardiometabolic diseases. Our research relies on genetics and genomics to explore the pathological mechanisms and gene-lifestyle interactions underlying these conditions. Nutrition and exercise interventions complement our studies. Through these concerted efforts, we build the framework for early identification, prevention, and personalised treatment of individuals at increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and their complications. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance public health awareness and improve the cost-effectiveness of healthcare throughout the life cycle.
We are determined to decode cardiometabolic disease mechanisms, transforming prevention and treatments to re-establish and sustain optimal health.
Timo Lakka and Suvi Linna-Kuosmanen
Our focus research areas
Multi-omics guided personalised cardiometabolic health
Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data provides insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic background of cardiometabolic diseases. Candidate genes linked to these conditions are identified and validated using cell lines, animal models, and patient samples, deepening our understanding of disease susceptibility and progression. Novel algorithms are developed to extract meaningful data.
Enhancing cardiometabolic health through lifestyle interventions
We investigate how diet, physical activity, and lifestyle impact cardiometabolic health through long-term intervention studies. Novel biomarkers are identified for cardiometabolic health. Gene-diet interactions are explored to develop personalised recommendations based on genetic profiles, addressing individual variations in nutrient metabolism and dietary needs.
Supporting techniques and expertise in cardiometabolic research
The continuous advancement of technologies in metabolomics and genetics is essential for understanding cardiometabolic diseases. These developments, combined with bioinformatics and advanced computational tools, collectively improve strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiometabolic health. Likewise, specialised knowledge such as mitochondrial biology is needed to understand cell function and disorders.
Mission
Our mission is to develop advanced interventions, comprehensive guidelines, and innovative tools for preventing cardiometabolic diseases, alleviating the burden on those affected, and improving awareness of cardiometabolic health at the population level.
- Vittorio Fortino, Biomedicine
- Steffi Goffart, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Kati Hanhineva, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Jarmo Jääskeläinen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Leea Keski-Nisula, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Tuure Kinnunen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Marjukka Kolehmainen, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Johanna Kuusisto, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Olli Kärkkäinen, Metabolomics, School of Pharmacy
- Timo Lakka, Internal Medicine, Biomedicine
- Jari Laukkanen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Jaana Lindström, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Suvi Linna-Kuosmanen, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Jaakko Pohjoismäki, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Pirkko Pussinen, Institute of Dentistry
- Kai Savonen, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine
- Ursula Schwab, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Pasi Tavi, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Tommi Tolmunen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
2025
- Suvi Linna-Kuosmanen, Chair, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Timo Lakka, Vice Chair, Biomedicine
- Jukka Jolkkonen, secretary
- Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Johanna Kuusisto, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Jaakko Pohjoismäki, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Kai Savonen, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine
- Ursula Schwab, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Pasi Tavi, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Kirsi Virtanen, External Advisor, University of Turku
