Neurons (nerve cells) communicate through a process in which one cell stimulates another with an electric pulse transmitted by secreting special chemicals called neurotransmitters into the synapse (gap) between the cells. Learning and memory are influenced by changes in the strength of these synaptic connections and by alterations in the excitability of neurons (how readily they produce an electrochemical response). Abnormalities in the regulation of neuronal excitability give rise to neurological diseases including epilepsy and psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. Dr. Brian MacVicar is studying two aspects of synaptic transmission: mechanisms that regulate neuronal excitability and mechanisms that influence synaptic plasticity (the ability of neurons to adapt the way they communicate with each other). In one series of experiments, he is examining cells that surround neurons in the brain to determine if they influence neuronal activity through the regulation of blood flow or other mechanisms. He is also studying how past synaptic experience modifies activity in dendrites, the part of the neuron that receives synaptic transmissions. This research into how brain activity is regulated will contribute to improved understanding of many aspects of neuroscience, including stroke, mental illness and learning and memory.
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Molecular controls of embryonic facial patterning
The transformation of the embryo from a mass of undifferentiated cells into a fully formed, functioning organism is a complex process. In early embryonic development, discrete buds of cells fuse to create a face. If proper fusion fails to occurs, the result is severe developmental abnormalities including cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The embryonic segments that form the face are similar in chickens and mammals. Using the chicken embryo as a model, Dr. Joy Richman is studying how the jaw is formed and what goes awry in the process to cause cleft lip. By investigating the mechanisms that designate which embryonic facial bud will develop as a particular facial feature and how appropriate growth is initiated at key times to form a face, Dr. Richman will identify genes and gene signaling pathways that underlie normal and abnormal development of the face and jaw. Such information is critical for improved treatment and prevention strategies for defects such as cleft lip.
Postural Control in individuals with stroke
Every year about 50,000 Canadians will have a stroke, which is the number one cause of neurological disability leading to impaired balance and mobility. Those affected face a seven-fold increase in hip fractures because of falls due to poor balance. Unfortunately, there are very few community-based programs to help individuals with stroke improve or maintain mobility and balance, and a lack of research assessing the effectiveness of such programs. Dr. Janice Eng is investigating the effectiveness of a 12-week exercise program for improving balance and mobility in two groups of people with stroke: a group participating in an intensive exercise program, and another group doing arm exercises. Results of her research could assist in developing guidelines for community-based exercise programs to improve the health of people with stroke, and to reduce hospital admissions due to falls.
Psychological pathways for the relationship between socioeconomic status and asthma in children
Research has shown a strong association between low socioeconomic status and poorer heath. Asthma, the most common chronic childhood condition, is more prevalent and more severe among children low in socioeconomic status. Although many factors have been proposed to explain the SES-asthma relationship (e.g. exposure to environmental allergens and irritants, gene by environment interactions, quality of medical care, etc.), these variables do not fully account for this relationship. Dr. Edith Chen is studying the role of psychological factors, such as stress, in explaining the SES and asthma relationship. She is testing whether children with asthma who have low socioeconomic status experience more stressful events and/or whether they have a tendency to interpret life events in a more threatening fashion than children from higher socioeconomic status, and ultimately whether stress helps to explain the connection between low socioeconomic status and poorer asthma outcomes. Some children with low socioeconomic status maintain good health despite adverse life circumstances. Dr. Chen is also examining whether children’s beliefs and supportive family and social networks can buffer children with asthma from the typical effects of low socioeconomic status on health. Results from this research may help improve the health of children with asthma.
A prospective transdisciplinary study of the impact of housing improvements on health: promoting global health equity through innovation and collaboration
Under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Spiegel, BC health researchers are playing an active role in addressing global health research priorities – issues that increasingly affect British Columbians as global citizens as well as individuals subject to increasingly global pressures. With a interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of British Columbia, linked to colleagues at the universities of Victoria, Simon Fraser, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with counterparts from Mexico, Cuba and other Latin American countries, Dr. Spiegel has developed a program of research which aims to improve world understanding of “upstream factors”, i.e. pathways whereby global forces affect health. For example, rapid urbanization is a growing global phenomenon that underscores the ongoing need for attention to the basic need for appropriate shelter. While there is a clear relationship between poor housing and poor health, little research has been done not only on the reasons behind rapid urbanization and deteriorating housing, but on the health gains that result from housing improvements. In a unique collaboration with world-class specialists in housing and health research, Dr. Jerry Spiegel is investigating the impact of housing on health. Dr. Spiegel and a multi-national, multi-disciplinary team are studying two groups in Cuba: one living in poor housing conditions that will receive state funded improvements to address hygiene, ventilation, illumination and overcrowding; and another group living in comparably poor housing that is not receiving improvements. The team is using a variety of methods — including ethnographic studies, surveys, environmental monitoring of homes and measurement of biological factors associated with health — to measure the effects of housing on health. Results from the study could be used to develop policies that will improve the health of vulnerable populations in Canada and throughout the Americas. Other international studies being conducted by Dr. Spiegel and his team address other social and ecosystem determinants of health, needed to provide valuable information to promote health in British Columbia and worldwide.
Use of T regulatory cells to induce tolerance to organ and tissue transplantation
Transplantation is the treatment of choice for many forms of end-stage organ failure and cancers of the immune system. Due to the difficulty in finding fully compatible donors, the patient’s immune system must be suppressed with drugs to prevent it from rejecting the transplanted tissue. While necessary, these drugs suppress all immune response, causing serious side effects including increased risk for infections, cancers, damage to kidneys, hypertension, diabetes and seizures. Dr. Megan Levings is looking for a way to protect the transplanted tissue without compromising other aspects of the normal immune response. She is studying a novel class of white blood cells, known as T regulatory (Tr) cells, which are thought to have the ability to selectively suppress immune responses. Dr. Levings is exploring the molecular and cellular biology of Tr cells to better understand how they develop and act to induce an immune response. Potentially, these cells might be the basis for a more directed approach to controlling rejection.
Investigation of pathways underlying retinal degeneration
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a form of inherited blindness that results from the death of light-detecting neurons called rod cells. It is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults and typically begins with night blindness followed by progressive deterioration of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). Dr. Orson Moritz is studying transgenic frogs with the same genetic mutations that cause the condition in humans. His goal is to identify the biochemical pathways that are activated by these mutations and lead to the death of rod cells. To confirm the involvement of these pathways, he is studying transgenic frogs in which these pathways are disrupted to determine whether this prevents development of RP. The research could enable design of therapies to prevent the progression of RP in humans.
Improving psychosocial treatment adherence in young individuals presenting with a first psychotic episode
Research has shown that psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, can reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being of people who are experiencing a first psychotic episode. Yet, studies also show that only about one-third of potential candidates for treatment agree to participate in and complete the therapy. Dr. Tania Lecomte is exploring why some individuals experiencing a first psychotic episode refuse or fail to adhere to treatment. Besides assessing whether or not motivation enhancement therapy improves adherence to treatment, she is also evaluating the impact on symptoms and patient well-being when they receive both motivation therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy, or just the latter. If motivation therapy is shown to be effective, results from the study could help young people cope better with psychotic symptoms. Her research may also reveal new information about factors that motivate individuals with psychotic symptoms to seek help.
Retinoids in synovial sarcoma
Synovial sarcoma is a form of cancer occurring most commonly in the limbs of young adults. Patients are treated with aggressive surgery and radiation, but the disease often spreads and proves fatal. Current chemotherapy provides limited benefit, with serious side effects. Using gene microarrays, a new technology that allows scientists to monitor tens of thousands of genes simultaneously in tumour specimens, Dr. Nielsen helped discover a group of genes playing a central role in synovial sarcoma. These include several potential therapeutic targets, including the signalling pathway involving retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative. Several existing and experimental drugs interfere with this pathway and have been successfully used to treat other cancers such as leukemia, but have not been tested in synovial sarcoma. Dr. Torsten Nielsen is using the gene expression profile of this cancer type to develop targeted therapies needed for its treatment.
Physical activity as primary prevention: evaluating novel interventions for child health
Physical activity can help prevent a host of chronic diseases, including osteoporosis and obesity, two major medical conditions that likely begin with childhood inactivity. But it’s estimated that three out of five Canadian youths between five and 17 years of age are not physically active enough to ensure optimal growth and development. Weight reduction programs targeting children who are already obese have largely been unsuccessful, which indicates the need for a stronger focus on developing more effective prevention strategies. Several studies have shown that school-based programs can effectively improve bone health. Dr. Heather McKay is evaluating the impact of innovative physical activity programs on bone health and weight of elementary school children, research that could lead to the development and implementation of public health programs to encourage physical activity and improve the health of Canadian children.