BUZATTO

RESEARCH GROUP

ADVANCING LIPIDOMICS TO CHARACTERIZE LIPIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

EXPLORING LIPIDOMICS: from molecular landscapes to biological insights

We employ cutting-edge LC-MS/MS untargeted lipidomics to investigate the lipid composition of various biological samples. Our main goals include:

  • developing new analytical methodologies for untargeted lipidomics of biological samples, including serum, plasma, tissues, extracellular vesicles, bacteria, fungi, mammalian cells, and others

  • developing lipid databases and data processing solutions (software development)

  • detailed characterization of lipidomes

  • elucidating biochemical pathways involved in pathological and physiological phenomena (cancer, neurological conditions, infections)

  • investigating the relationship between lipids, the microbiome, and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance

  • developing novel diagnostics platforms using lipids

JOIN THE TEAM!

The Buzatto lab is seeking dedicated students at all levels, ranging from undergraduate to graduate studies. We are particularly searching for Master’s degree students interested in LC-MS method and software development; and undergraduates to investigate the role of lipids in antimicrobial resistance.

Diversity within a research team promotes a rich and effective environment for collaborative science that foments growth and evolution. We welcome trainees from all backgrounds. If you share our passion for lipids and mass spectrometry, we invite you to contact us!

ONGOING PROJECTS

  • Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria (microbial lipidomics)

  • Lipid composition of extracellular vesicles and their involvement in intercellular communication and cancer

  • Spatial distributions of lipids across brain tissue during neurodegeneration and aging

  • Lipid-mediated mechanisms of metal toxicity (environmental lipidomics / exposomics)

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

72nd ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics (June/2024)

Dr. Zardini Buzatto presented the talk “Lipidomic profiling in ALS human patients and SOD1/FUS mouse models: a gateway to novel insights into ALS pathogenesis“

ALS Canada Research Forum and Target ALS Annual Meeting (May/2023)

ALS Canada Research Forum 2024, Toronto

AMMI-CACMID (May/25)

iLS 2023 & 8th Lipidomics Forum in Vienna (August/2023)

Dr. Zardini Buzatto presented the poster “Characterizing the complex lipidic composition of small extracellular vesicles“

Poster presented by trainee Amy Wycislik: “Unlocking E. Coli's lipidomes: delving into the dynamic composition of different strains”

Dr. Zardini Buzatto’s poster at the ALS Canada Research Forum: “Exploring lipidomic signatures in ALS patients and SOD1/FUS mouse models”

Dr. Zardini Buzatto received a travel award to represent Canadian research at the 8th Lipidomics Forum of the International Lipidomics Society

Anaheim Conference Centre

Boston Seaport District, the location of the Target ALS 2024 Annual Meeting

Opening cerimony at Universität Wien

It is not all work - we also have fun! Dr. Zardini Buzatto with trainees Fernanda Sousa Monteiro (University of Alberta), Cyrene Catenza (University of Alberta), and Toad (Super Mario)

Dr. Zardini Buzatto presented the talk: “Large-scale lipidomics of ALS: convergences and divergences across mice and humans”

73rd ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics (June/2025)

Dr. Zardini Buzatto presented the talk “Lipid Adaptations in Escherichia coli as a Mechanism of Antimicrobial Resistance“

MSc student Danielle Maundy in action presenting her beautiful poster on lipidomics of extracellular vesicles from human cell lines

Dr. Zardini Buzatto with trainees Julia Adug and Danielle Maundy

The Buzatto group and friends (Dr. Annegret Ulke-Lemee and Dr. Stephanie Bishop) enjoyed a Brazilian rodizio during the conference!

One Health - AMR and Emerging Zoonoses (March/25)

Dr. Zardini Buzatto presented the talk “Exploring lipid remodelling as a mechanism of resistance in Escherichia coli

MSc student Julia Adug presenting her work with Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Congratulations to Krupali Patel, who received the 2025 Dr. Kenneth Rozee Memorial Student Poster Award for her work "Lipidomics insights into antimicrobial resistance in E. coli"