Jonas Treebak
My research focuses on defining the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which diet, physical activity, and weight loss improve insulin sensitivity and protect against cardiometabolic diseases. Over the past two decades, I have established a strong research program centered on skeletal muscle biology, inter-organ communication, and the role of NAD⁺ metabolism in metabolic health. My group has pioneered work on NAD⁺ biosynthesis and consumption across multiple tissues, including muscle, liver, adipose tissue, and hypothalamus, revealing critical pathways that maintain tissue function and systemic energy homeostasis.We employ advanced genetic models, metabolic phenotyping, and state-of-the-art proteomics and metabolomics to identify mechanisms linking metabolic stress to cellular adaptation. A key theme has been the interplay between exercise and nutrition in shaping muscle function and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Our translational approach bridges basic mechanistic insights with clinical studies, including first-in-human trials of the NAD⁺ precursor nicotinamide riboside, which we have tested in insulin-resistant individuals and in older adults during muscle regeneration. These studies have generated multiple highly cited publications in journals such as Cell Metabolism, PNAS, and Diabetes.
My publication record includes >120 peer-reviewed articles, an H-index of 48, and >8,000 citations, reflecting both fundamental discoveries and translational impact. Through national and international collaborations, we have established innovative methodologies to study inter-organ metabolic communication and to identify novel therapeutic targets. Ultimately, we seeks to translate mechanistic understanding of muscle and systemic metabolism into strategies that improve cardiometabolic health and resilience in obesity, diabetes, and aging.