Magdalena Recsky developed her passion for epidemiology while working summers as a research assistant at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. She put that passion into practice through her Masters research, which explored issues surrounding methadone dosing, satisfaction with methadone doses and associated HIV-risk behaviours. Using existing data, she investigated the barriers women face in accessing methadone maintenance programs, which led to a broader study into methadone dosing. Results from the studies and a literature review demonstrate that high patient satisfaction with methadone treatment can potentially decrease certain HIV-risk behaviours. The results also highlight the importance of physician-patient relationships in the treatment of heroin addiction and the importance of individualizing methadone treatment. Although certain methadone doses are pharmacologically required to curb heroin withdrawal, the research shows that once that dose is reached, patient satisfaction with treatment may be more important in positively influencing methadone treatment outcomes. Ultimately, she hopes this research will contribute to improvements in methadone treatment programs that more effectively address the needs of specific population groups, such as those involved in high HIV-risk behaviours.
Program: Trainee
Regulation of the transcriptional activator, beta-catenin, by the B cell receptor
Sherri Christian is studying a process that’s integral to the immune system: the development of B cells that produce antibodies – immune cells that attach to and destroy infectious microbes and other harmful agents. Signals from within and outside B cells direct the multi-stage process by which these cells develop. Christian is investigating the nature of these signals and specifically examining the regulation of a protein called beta-catenin. The protein’s importance in the development of other cell types suggests it may play a similar developmental role in B cells. Christian hopes that increasing understanding of B cell development will ultimately lead to therapies for prevention of disease, such as cancer, which occurs when the normal process of cell development goes awry.
Comparative and functional genomic analysis of a gene dense, GC rich region at chromosome 7q22 associated with myeloid leukemias and male infertility
Michael Wilson’s doctoral research focuses on a fragile region of the human genome, 7q22, which has been linked to leukemias, hemochromatosis (a genetic disease that causes excessive build-up of iron in body tissues), male infertility and schizophrenia. Besides preparing a detailed map of all 7q22 genes and elements that regulate their expression, Wilson is also working with a bioinformatics group at Penn State to design a web-based program that interactively displays the gene sequence data. He is also investigating the function of two specific genes, including one that plays a role in fertility. Wilson hopes the research will provide essential information for narrowing in on cancer and schizophrenia-related genes, and also provide insight into male infertility.
Characterization of retinoschisin, the protein involved in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis
X-linked retinoschisis is the most common form of retina damage in young males. Symptoms of the genetic disease include splitting of the retina’s inner layers, blood vessel rupturing and sometimes blindness. It is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to diverse changes in the retina that can occur. Winco Wu is investigating the nature of the retinoschisin protein, produced by the gene that causes the disease. He is selectively examining mutations of retinoschisin and determining the protein’s exact size, whether it binds to other molecules, and how it interacts with other proteins and its own subunits. Improving understanding of retinoschisin will further knowledge of how retina deterioration occurs, and may ultimately lead to therapies for diseases such as X-linked retinoschisis. Learning about the protein will also shed light about proteins with similar characteristics that are involved in cancer and nervous system development.
Barriers to Reproductive Health Care among Marginalized Women in Vancouver, British Columbia
Amy Weber is dedicated to pursuing a career at the forefront of infectious disease research. She’s convinced that rigorous research can create medical and social options to contain the HIV epidemic, alleviate suffering and save lives. While Weber has researched a range of populations at risk, her current work focuses on marginalized women who are increasingly vulnerable to infectious disease and poor health. Weber’s study aims to identify the barriers that marginalized women in Vancouver face in accessing health care. She’s particularly interested in researching the barriers to reproductive health care, such as services related to birth control, pre-natal care, abortion and anti-retroviral therapy for HIV-positive women. Weber believes that providing a better understanding of these barriers will help influence policy to increase access to health services and improve the health of vulnerable women.
Gene Therapy for a genetic cardiovascular disease: AAV-mediated gene transfer of a powerful, naturally occurring, LPL-S447X variant for the treatment of LPL deficiency
Dr. Colin Ross believes that studying genetics and diseases at the molecular level can open many doors for the treatment of diseases at their root causes. He’s doing exactly that in cutting edge research to develop treatments for a genetic cardiovascular disease that has the highest worldwide frequency in Canada’s French-Canadian population. People with lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency are missing a key enzyme that helps break down triglycerides (fats) in the blood stream. Elevated levels of these fats can cause serious, life-threatening damage to the pancreas, heart and other organs. Ross is working on the development of gene therapy techniques to implant healthy genes into cells to restore production of the missing enzyme. He ultimately aims to develop a safe and long-term treatment for LPL deficiency.
Neurocognition, movement disorder and corticostriatal function in first-episode schizophrenia
For people living with schizophrenia, anti-psychotic medications can help control delusions and hallucinations. However, it is far more difficult to treat schizophrenia’s neurocognitive effects, such as disordered thinking and problems with memory and planning. Dr. Donna Lang is working toward uncovering the underlying causes of these devastating symptoms. Her previous research included a study comparing risperidone – a new-generation drug – to traditional anti-psychotics, in terms of how they affect deep-brain structures called the basal ganglia. Lang focused on how faulty wiring between the basal ganglia and other brain regions may be linked to neurocognitive problems in people with schizophrenia. In her current study, Lang is using tools such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging – state-of-the-art imaging technology – to learn more about brain activity in schizophrenia patients, before and after treatment. Lang hopes findings from the research will lead to more effective treatment of schizophrenia.