Jérôme Lapointe Ph. D.

Research Scientist

My research projects are seeking to improve the health, robustness and longevity of animals in swine production through the development of nutritional strategies geared to controlling oxidative stress and optimizing energy metabolism.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8

Current research and/or projects

Development of genomics tools and management practices to promote animal health, metabolic efficiency, productivity and longevity, reduce their ecological footprint and promote value-added animal products.

Research and/or project statements

- Towards a restricted use of antibiotics and ZnO in pig production: Development of new nutrigenomics approaches based on a better understanding of the interactions between bacterial pathogens, mitochondrial function and zinc levels.

- Innovative micronutrient strategies for maximizing piglet’s robustness and performance during the pre- and post-weaning periods.

- Development of an innovative strategy targeting mitochondria for improving health and resistance of newly weaned piglets, decreasing the needs for antibiotics in swine production and improving food safety.

Professional activities / interests

- Oxidative stress

- Mitochondrial energy metabolism

- Nutrigenomics

- Alternative to antibiotics and heavy metals in swine production

Education and awards

- B. Sc. Biology, Université Laval, 1998.

- Certificate in genetic engeneering, Université Laval, 1998.

- M. Sc. Molecular and cellular biology, Université Laval, 2001.

- Ph. D. physiology-endocrinology, Université Laval, 2005.

- Postdoctorate, Biology, Université McGill, 2011.

International experience and/or work

- Deputy Editor, British Journal of Nutrition, Cambridge University Press.

Key publications

Farmer, C., Lapointe, J., and Palin, M.-F. (2014). "Effects of the plant extract silymarin on prolactin concentrations mammary gland development, and oxidative stress in gestating gilts.", Journal of Animal Science, 92(7), pp. 2922-2930. doi : 10.2527/jas.2013-7118
2014 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. (2013). "Improving sows longevity by using targeted nutritional interventions.", 49th Annual Eastern Nutrition Conference of the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC), Hôtel Château Laurier, Québec City, QC, Canada, May 15-16, 2013, pp. 119-136.
2013 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. and Farmer, C. (2013). "Dietary supplementation with the plant extract silymarin protects gestating gilts from oxidative stress-related damage without affecting mitochondrial antioxidant defenses.", 7th Congress of the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN), Quebec City Convention Centre, Quebec City, Canada, October 5-8, 2013.
2013 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. (2012). "Improving productivity and longevity of livestock by using a nutrigenomics approach targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress status.", AAFC Scientific Symposium: Let’s talk science at DSRDC, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, November 28, 2012.
2012 - View publication details
Lapointe, J., Roy, M., Audet, I., Beaudry, D., Palin, M.-F., Quesnel, H., Guay, F., and Matte, J.J. (2012). "Organic selenium and vitamin B6 synergize to up-regulate glutathione peroxidases (GPx) expression in dietary supplemented gilts.", Society for the Study of Reproduction 45th Annual Meeting and 18th Ovarian Workshop, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA, August 12-15, 2012, Abs. 469. (Abstract)
2012 - View publication details
Van Calsteren, M.-R., Gagnon, F., Lapointe, J., Guertin, N., and LaPointe, G. (2012). "Structure determination of the exopolysaccharide produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. Cremoris strain JFR1.", MOOT XXV Mini NMR Symposium, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada, October 20-21, 2012.
2012 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. and Palin, M.-F. (2012). "Nutrigenomics: What? Why? and What’s in it for me?", 30th Anniversary Jefo Symposium, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada, August 29, 2012. (Presentation)
2012 - View publication details
Hekimi, S., Lapointe, J., and Wen, Y. (2011). "Taking a "good" look at free radicals in the aging process.", Trends in Cell Biology, 21(10), pp. 569-576. doi : 10.1016/j.tcb.2011.06.008
2011 - View publication details
Zheng, H., Lapointe, J., and Hekimi, S. (2010). "Lifelong protection from global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in long-lived Mclk1+/− mutants.", Experimental Neurology, 223(2), pp. 557-565. doi : 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.02.002
2010 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. and Hekimi, S. (2010). "When a theory of aging ages badly.", Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 67(1), pp. 1-8. doi : 10.1007/s00018-009-0138-8
2010 - View publication details
Lapointe, J., Stepanyan, Z., Bigras, E., and Hekimi, S. (2009). "Reversal of the mitochondrial phenotype and slow development of oxidative biomarkers of aging in long-livedMclk1₊/₋ mice.", Journal of Biological Chemistry, 284(30), pp. 20364-20374. doi : 10.1074/jbc.M109.006569
2009 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. and Hekimi, S. (2008). "Early mitochondrial dysfunction in long-lived Mclk1+/− mice.", Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(38), pp. 26217-26227. doi : 10.1074/jbc.M803287200
2008 - View publication details
Lapointe, J., Roy, M., St-Pierre, I., Kimmins, S., Gauvreau, D., MacLaren, L.A., and Bilodeau, J.-F. (2006). "Hormonal and region-specific regulation of nitric oxide synthases (nNOS, iNOS and eNOS) expression in the oviducts.", Endocrinology, 147(12), pp. 5600-5610.
2006 - View publication details
Lapointe, J., Kimmins, S., MacLaren, L.A., and Bilodeau, J.-F. (2005). "Estrogen selectively up-regulates the phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) in the oviducts.", Endocrinology, 146(6), pp. 2583-2592.
2005 - View publication details
Tabariès, S., Lapointe, J., Besch, T., Carter, M., Woollard, J., Tuggle, C.K., and Jeannotte, L. (2005). "Cdx protein interaction with Hoxa5 regulatory sequences contributes to Hoxa5 regional expression along the axial skeleton.", Molecular and Cellular Biology, 25(4), pp. 1389-1401.
2005 - View publication details
Lapointe, J. and Bilodeau, J.-F. (2003). "Antioxidant defenses are modulated in the cow oviduct during the estrous cycle.", Biology of Reproduction, 68(4), pp. 1157-1164.
2003 - View publication details
Aubin, J., Lemieux, M., Moreau, J., Lapointe, J., and Jeannotte, L. (2002). "Cooperation of Hoxa5 and Pax1 genes during formation of the pectoral girdle.", Developmental Biology, 244(1), pp. 96-113.
2002 - View publication details