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Prof. Christopher Eskiw
Background
Prof. Christopher Eskiw is faculty in the Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences and Department of Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his masters degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan and achieved his PhD at the Institute for Medical Science, University of Toronto. Prof. Eskiw continued his research by moving to the UK for postdoctoral fellowships at both the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. Prof. Eskiw was faculty at Brunel University, London (UK) between 2010-2013 before returning to the University of Saskatchewan and establishing his lab in nutrigenomics and genome organization.
Research Summary
It has long been known that restricting nutrient/calorie intake promotes health and extends lifespan. However, the consequences of reduced nutrient uptake are not understood at the most basic level of our biology -- our genes. Understanding how our genes respond to nutrients is essential in order to design therapies/dietary strategies and to identify naturally occurring molecules found in foods to combat age-related disease and increase lifespan. Research in the Eskiw laboratory aims to identify not only the genes involved in mediating health and longevity but also the mechanisms that drive this. Furthermore, the goal of the Eskiw lab is to understand how nutrient availability and sensing impacts genome folding, influencing gene expression, causing increased health and longevity.
The Eskiw lab has also begun to investigate the how differences in yeast genomes impact fermentation in relationship to the different beers, wines and spirits they produce. Our particular focus is on how nutrient levels impact the expression of specific genes and the timing of expression, leading to different flavour and aroma attributes in the final product. For this, we are collaborating with Winston's Pub - 21st Street Brewery INC. (https://www.21ststreetbrewery.ca/ ) here in Saskatoon. Stop in for some truly fantastic (and scientific!) beers!
Teaching
Current Courses, University of Saskatchewan
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FABS 212: Agrifood and Resource Microbiology
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FABS 362: Functional Foods and Nutriceuticals
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ABC 405: Advances in Cell Biology
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FABS 492/494: Undergraduate Thesis
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FDSC 888: Nutrigenomics (Graduate Level)
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FDSC 898: Professional Skills in Scientific Communication (Graduate Level)
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Awards and Nominations
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Nomination: Health Sciences Recognized Supervisor Award
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Award: Member of The Higher Education Academy (UK)
Background
Research Summary
Teaching
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