Chromosome segregation is a fundamentally important process for human cells. When cells divide, they normally ensure both daughter cells receive one copy of each chromosome. But defects in this process can cause cells to lose chromosomes or receive extra ones. Inaccurate chromosome segregation can lead to diseases such as cancer. Despite the importance of this process, researchers are just beginning to identify and understand the genes and molecular mechanisms involved. Dr. Kristin Baetz is investigating the genes and mechanisms needed to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. Baetz is developing a genomic screen to identify unique genes in a genetic yeast model, whose genome and cell biology are remarkably similar to that of humans. Building knowledge about chromosome instability could lead to new treatments for common forms of cancer.
Archives: awards
A custom post type for award
Analysis of altered gene expression in YAC transgenic mouse models for Huntington disease
Research has confirmed that an inherited mutation in the huntingtin protein causes Huntington disease, a progressive and ultimately fatal neurological disorder that usually starts in mid-life. There is much more to be learned about the onset and course of the disease and there is no effective treatment. Dr. Edmond Chan is addressing those gaps by profiling gene expression in mice with Huntington disease. His research aims to identify altered patterns of gene expression that link with early, mid and late stages of the disease. The profile may identify genes involved in initiating the process that leads to progressive damage and death of brain cells. Chan will formulate and test specific theories that connect gene expression patterns with the molecular development of Huntington disease. Ultimately, genes identified in the research could suggest treatment strategies to improve quality of life for patients with the disorder.
Early events of infection and genome adaptation to parasitism in Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of parasites composed of just a single cell, but are found to infect all known animals – including humans – and can be fatal to people with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS or transplant patients. Microsporidia grow and multiply inside their host cells, but they exist outside of their hosts as spores that can infect nearby cells. Dr. Naomi Fast is striving to understand the cellular signals that the parasite uses to infect cells. She is examining and comparing what genes are expressed before and after spores infect their hosts, to identify genes that are specifically activated during infection. Identifying these genes could point to potential targets for drug treatments.
Characterization of the Ctf3/Mcm22/Mcm16 outer kinetochore complex; a link to the yeast spindle pole body
In order for cells to grow properly, chromosomes must accurately separate to opposite poles of the dividing cell. Mistakes in this process can lead to cancer due to instability of the chromosomes. Dr. Vivien Measday is using a yeast model to study chromosome segregation. She has a particular interest in the centromere, the region of the chromosome required for proper segregation, and the kinetochore, which consists of centromere DNA and its associated proteins. Using genetic screens, Measday is identifying and characterizing kinetochore proteins. Studying these proteins will increase understanding of why chromosomal instability occurs in cancer cells and in other disorders such as Down’s syndrome.
Structure-function relationship of the GTP-exchange factor smgGDS and its role in breast cancer
Ras proteins act as molecular switches that control functions including growth and movement of all cells. They also play a role in causing almost one-third of human cancers. Several families of proteins, including smgGDS, regulate Ras activity. Genetic changes leading to the production of an abnormal form of smgGDS are a characteristic of certain leukeumias. As well, too much smgGDS in cells leads to their transformation into cancer cells. Dr. Peter Schubert is determining the detailed structure of smgGDS and identifying parts of the protein that activate Ras proteins. The research should provide basic information necessary for designing drugs to block the action of smgGDS in leukemia.
Development and testing of a client specific wheelchair mobility outcome measure
Wheelchairs that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort, medical complications and limit people from getting around. Despite the fact that more than 150,000 Canadians rely on wheelchairs as their primary means of mobility, research in this area is often overlooked. While working as an occupational therapist in a long-term care facility, Dr. Bill Miller recognized the lack of tools for assessing and measuring people’s ability to function in wheelchairs, and is now developing a specific tool for this purpose. He hopes the tool will ultimately improve quality of life for wheelchair users. In the longer term his goal is to be a leader in mobility disability research, with a special focus on issues pertaining to older adults who use wheelchairs.
Domestic violence victims’ appraisals of future risk: The Impact of trauma symptoms on the accuracy of risk appraisals and safety planning
Research suggests spouse abuse victims, particularly those experiencing severe psychological trauma, may underestimate their risk for future violence from their partners and, therefore, be less likely to engage in safety planning. Dr. Tonia Nicholls is advancing that research by examining how psychological, social and environmental factors impact women's appraisals of risk of future abuse and ultimately, their willingness to seek help. Nicholls will contrast the subjective risk appraisals of battered women with objective risk appraisals made with structured risk assessment measures. The goal is to increase awareness among service providers about the factors related to victims' minimization of risk and improve risk management with former batterers at risk for relapsing into abusive behaviour. She also hopes the research will result in effective methods for educating women about their partners' level of risk and encourage victims to engage in safety planning and/or treatment.
Developing an effective and efficient health care delivery system for Canadians at the end-of-life
In the mid-eighties, while working as a palliative care nurse, Dr. Kelli Stajduhar cared for a young man dying from AIDS. A few years later, her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and died. Both received less than optimal care at the end of their lives. Stajduhar was profoundly affected by those experiences, which gave her a strong desire to examine ways to improve care and support for people at the end-of-life. Stajduhar’s PhD research focused on the provision of home-based care for people who are dying, and its impact on family caregivers. Her postdoctoral work aims to identify the elements needed for an effective, efficient, comprehensive and coordinated system of health care for Canadians who have come to that point in their lives. Ultimately, Stajduhar would like to advance health policy on end-of-life care.
The effects of Sexualized Images and Stress on Body Image and Dieting: An Evolutionary Perspective
Why are so many women preoccupied with being thin? And why does this pre-occupation lead to eating disorders in certain women? Dr. Catherine Salmon is addressing these questions in her research by exploring the theory that pre-occupation for thinness and dieting could be part of an ancestral practice of exercising control over reproduction. Research has shown that females facing social or ecological conditions that are unfavourable for childbearing can sometimes delay reproduction until the situation improves. One way of doing this has been by reducing body fat to suppress ovulation. Salmon is exploring the notion that in modern society, women continuously experience cues indicating a poor environment for reproduction, such as high levels of competition between females and stressful sexual attention. Salmon hopes that learning more about these factors underlying body image and dieting will lead to more appropriate interventions for eating disorders.
First Nations Metaphors of Health and Trauma
Drawing from decade-long work experience as a pediatric nurse with children and adolescents in crisis, and academic work in developmental psychology, comparative literature and analysis of narratives, Dr. Ulrich Teucher is studying cross-cultural differences in young people’s sense of identity and concepts of health. Teucher hopes the research, which involves visiting remote First Nations communities, will improve understanding of these differences and provide a clearer view of what good health means to First Nations youth. This may provide new insights into reasons for the high rate of suicide and among First Nations youth and contribute to better methods of assisting those at high-risk for this behaviour.