Although aging is a normal biological process, it is also associated with a host of mental and physical illnesses. Many of these illnesses have their basis in genetic function. A key area of focus for researchers examining age-related health issues is the insulin-like growth factor pathway, which plays an important role in cell growth, uptake of nutrients and aging. Genetic researchers often use a microscopic worm named C. elegans for their studies, because this organism shares many of the essential biological characteristics of human biology. Genes controlled by the insulin pathway in C. elegans, flies and mice have been shown to affect longevity, including a gene discovered by PhD trainee Victor Jensen in his honours thesis. Victor is conducting research to study how this gene activity affects longevity. He is also studying a potential connection between this gene and genes involved in stress response to environmental challenges. By learning more about this geneâs role in longevity and stress response, he hopes to contribute to therapeutic and nutritional strategies to counter the negative effects of aging.
Research Location: University of British Columbia - Point Grey
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and self-renewal in the context of an in vivo model of bone regeneration
Stem cells are normally located in bone marrow, but when grown in the appropriate environment, they have the unique potential to transform into and generate several different types of cells in the body. Many medical researchers believe stem cells have the potential to revolutionize medicine, enabling doctors to repair specific tissues or to grow organs. However, the processes that control their development are not fully understood at present. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are derived from adult bone marrow and have been shown to specifically differentiate into cells of connective tissues, such as ligament, tendon and bone. Due to the relatively recent identification of MSCs, there is still much debate about the basic mechanisms that underlie MSC physiology. There have been several reports to indicate that MSCs can contribute to bone healing; however whether this effect is sustained through the long-term has yet to be determined. Aaron Joeâs research focus is to further current understanding of MSCs and to explore the potential for MSC-based therapies in clinical regenerative medicine. He is investigating whether combining MSCs with a new biomaterial can create a long-lasting source of bone cells that, when transplanted into diseased bone, will result in complete and sustained healing of bone defects. Aaron hopes his research will provide insight into the contribution of transplanted MSCs to bone healing. Specifically his work may lead to the development of prototypic regenerative therapy for severe bone loss associated with replacement hip surgery.
Does cognitive behavioural therapy normalize androgen and estrogen levels in a clinically-depressed sample?
Depression is a widespread mental illness, affecting one in ten people. Twice as many women as men suffer major depression. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy may contribute to the higher risk, as these periods in a woman’s reproductive cycle have been associated with depression. Hormone replacement therapy has been prescribed to treat changing sex hormone levels, but a study found the health risks exceeded the benefits. Carolin Klein is investigating the impact of an alternative approach, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), on hormone levels. CBT has been as effective as medication in treating depression, with no side effects. If depression and sex hormone levels are related, cognitive-behavioural therapy could also normalize hormone levels. Carolin is measuring hormones in depressed men and women before, during, and after CBT. The results could clarify if changing hormone levels cause depression, and lead to greater use of cognitive-behavioural therapy to treat abnormal hormone levels, without the side effects associated with some medications.
Involvment of Myosin V in AMPA receptor trafficking
Neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and central nervous system relay messages to each other by releasing neurotransmitters. For the message to be received, neurotransmitter receptors and associated proteins must be strategically transported to the synapse, the site of contact between neurons. Defects in the transportation of proteins is thought to affect neuronal activity and ultimately may lead to neurological impairments like epilepsy and mental retardation. Marie-France Lise is studying this fundamental process – how the molecules important for normal brain functions are transported throughout the neurons from their site of synthesis to their specific site of action. Her research focuses on a family of neuronal proteins known as Myosin V, thought to be important regulators of protein transport. These proteins act as molecular motors by binding and âwalkingâ cargoes along actin filament highways, leading to different destinations within the cell. By characterizing how the Myosin V family regulates transport of proteins in neurons, Marie-France hopes to gain a better understanding of how synapses are formed during brain development, learning, and memory formation.
Biogenesis of a lipid-modified autotransporter in Bordetella
The Bordetellae are respiratory pathogens that can cause severe infections in both humans and animals, including whooping cough. In spite of widespread vaccination, whooping cough is undergoing resurgence worldwide, including a peak of 1,800 reported infections in British Columbia in 2000. Autotransporters are the largest class of secreted proteins produced by Bordetella and other Gram-negative bacteria. They possess a characteristic domain that facilitates their export from the cell, which is a factor implicated in microbial virulence (disease causing ability of infectious agents). Recently, a novel autotransporter (BapF) was identified from the genome sequences of Bordetella, and is predicted to be modified by lipids. Although lipid-modified autotransporters are rare, known ones contribute significantly to virulence in their respective organisms, and little is known about their mechanism of secretion. Peter Sims is investigating the role of BapF in the disease-causing properties of Bordetellae. His work will determine whether BapF is expressed (activated) in these bacteria, and how this autotransporter is secreted. Research into BapF may reveal new information regarding protein secretion in bacteria, and provide potential targets for fighting infection.
The mental health of health care workers: Working conditions and patterns of service use
The well-being of health care workers and a healthy work environment are critical components of an effective health care system. According to the Workersâ Compensation Board of BC approximately 40% of all violence related claims come from health care workers. In a survey of St. Paulâs Hospital in Vancouver, 66% of employees had experienced physical assault in the previous year. Despite the increasing recognition of the severity and impact of violence in the workplace, there have been few studies that have investigated the impact of workplace strategies and interventions that mitigate violence in the workforce. Rakel Kling is examining the overall effectiveness of a violence-reduction intervention in the health care industry. Her research is specifically investigating the rate of violence-related incidents among health care workers at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) over a five year period and examining the differences in rates by year and unit type. She is also examining whether there is a reduction in healthcare worker injuries as a result of the implementation of a new patient risk assessment system. Results from Rakelâs research will help guide policy and program decisions surrounding violence prevention measures at VGH and ultimately other hospitals and health care facilities in the province.
The roles of expectation and dopamine in the placebo effect in Parkinson's Disease
The placebo effect, when a patientâs beliefs or expectations can influence the course and outcome of disease, is a well-recognized medical phenomenon that is particularly prominent in neurological disorders such as depression, pain and Parkinsonâs Disease. But little research to date has examined the therapeutic impact of taking placebos and the mechanism by which they work. Studying the placebo effect is also important to assess the need to control the phenomenon in clinical trials, and to address the difficulty in detecting a true therapeutic effect when benefits are masked by a strong placebo effect. Sarah Lidstone is using advanced imaging techniques to assess the physiological changes in the brain associated with the placebo effect in Parkinsonâs Disease. Sarah is studying how a patientâs expectation about their treatment influences how they respond to that treatment. Her group has already discovered that a placebo can induce the release of dopamine in the brains of Parkinsonâs patients. A deficiency of dopamine, a chemical that transmits messages between brain cells involved in controlling movement, causes Parkinsonâs Disease. The research could help explain how the placebo effect occurs in Parkinsonâs, and improve treatment for the disease, along with drug addiction, depression and pain.
Role of the Rap GTPases and the Pyk2 tyrosine kinase in B cell adhesion and spreading
B lymphocytes (B cells), which develop from stem cells in the bone marrow, are specialized immune cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. After developing they move into the blood stream where their role is to detect pathogens and be activated by the encounter to mount an immune response against infectious microbes. An important cellular process called adhesion is involved with the development and activation of B cells. Adhesion is the process whereby receptors on the surface of the B cells bind to receptors on the surface of other cell types. A protein called Rap acts as a molecular switch that cycles between an âonâ or âoffâ state to regulate cell adhesion. Kevin Lin is studying the mechanisms of how Rap regulates B cell adhesion and cytoskeleton remodeling. In particular, he is investigating Rapâs control of the activation and function of Pyk2 (nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase), believed to be involved in regulating the form and structure of the cell in response to antigen binding and chemokine signaling. This work will provide new insights into processes that regulate the development and activation of B cells, and may be important for a better understanding of inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, cancer of B cells, and other immune related diseases.
Exposure to air pollution and incidence of Acute Otitis Media in children
By age three, 80 percent of children in North America have experienced a middle ear infection, or otitis media. Symptoms include ear discharge, pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. This condition is the number one reason for young children to visit their doctor. Consequently, otitis media has high health care costs and is thought to contribute to overconsumption of antibiotics. The identification of preventable risk factors will aid in reducing the incidence of this common childhood disease, and the associated costs to our health care system. Known risk factors for otitis media include recent respiratory infection, age, gender, race, season, non-initiation of breast feeding, familial history, daycare enrolment, and exposure to passive smoking. Outdoor air pollution has been hypothesized as a risk factor. Elaina MacIntyre is conducting the first study in North America to investigate whether exposure to air pollution from industrial, traffic and residential woodburning sources is linked to the incidence of otitis media in children under 2 years of age. She is examining the health records of 60,000 children in British Columbia born between 1999 and 2000 to see if episodes of increased residential air pollution correspond with increased rates of diagnosis for otitis media. If a link is found, Elaina will analyze the cost of cases attributable to air pollution.
Cultural variations in parent's beliefs about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Implications for assessment and treatment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children. Three to five per cent of elementary school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD, which is often accompanied by other learning disabilities or disorders. Children with ADHD display persistent inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive behaviours that are inappropriate for their age. Research shows medication and behavioral treatments can be effective in treating ADHD. However, little research has examined the factors that influence parentsâ acceptance of and adherence to these treatments. Treatment adherence is an issue, especially among Asian-Canadian families. Janet Mah is investigating cultural variations in parentsâ attitudes towards mental health disorders such as ADHD. She is comparing how parentsâ expectations for child behaviour affect treatment choices in Asian-Canadian and Caucasian families. Janet will assess whether Asian-Canadian parents are less likely to attribute problem behaviour to medical causes, and more likely to feel a sense of stigma about mental health problems, compared to Caucasian parents. This research could help clinicians improve cultural sensitivity in mental health services to better reach the under-served population of Asian-Canadian families.