Guillaume Hoareau, PhD, DVM
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine
Profile
The Utah CTSI had the privilege of talking to Guillaume Hoareau, a K12 Institutional Career Development Program alum. We thank him for taking the time to answer our questions about his research on mitochondrial pathobiology, specifically mitochondrial dysfunction.
What is your research area?
My research focuses on mitochondrial pathobiology in critical illness, with a particular emphasis on hemorrhagic shock, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and trauma resuscitation. I study how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to organ failure following severe injury and explore innovative therapies to mitigate these effects.
What makes it relevant?
Hemorrhagic shock and trauma are leading causes of preventable death worldwide. Despite advancements in critical care, many patients suffer from long-term complications due to mitochondrial injury and metabolic failure. By understanding the fundamental mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, we can develop targeted therapeutic interventions that improve survival and recovery in both military and civilian trauma settings.
How does it help the world?
My research has direct implications for trauma care, military medicine, and emergency resuscitation. By identifying novel strategies to protect mitochondria and restore cellular energy production, we aim to develop new treatments that enhance survival and reduce complications in patients suffering from severe blood loss, sepsis, or cardiac arrest. Our findings contribute to broader fields such as critical care, organ transplantation, and metabolic diseases.
How has the CTSI helped you?
The CTSI has been instrumental in advancing my research and career development. The early career development grants—including the KL2 (now K12) Mentored Research Program—provided crucial funding and mentorship at a pivotal stage. Programs like the K Club meetings allowed me to refine grant proposals and exchange ideas with peers, while pilot funding opportunities helped generate preliminary data. The Peer Grant Review Program also ensured my proposals were rigorously reviewed before submission, and the R01 Writing Groups provided invaluable guidance in preparing my first NIH R01 application. These resources have played a key role in accelerating the translation of my research from bench to bedside.