December 19, 2011
The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation:
Research & Development Corporation Supports
Health Research that Benefits Province
The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is investing more than $1.6 million to enhance research capacity at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science.
The funding comes from the RDC’s academic programs which strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development (R&D) capacity and leverage funding from other sources.
“Today’s announcement is significant on many levels as it is providing leading researchers with funding to study key health-related issues,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation. “The Research & Development Corporation is providing support for researchers to seek solutions to important health care problems, expected to lead to new treatments and technologies that may have significant improvements in life expectancy, disease treatment and prevention and the quality of patient health in this province and elsewhere.”
In total, RDC's contribution of $1,679,557, will support 14 health-related R&D projects, enabling researchers to leverage more than $3.5 million from other funding sources, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Arthritis Society, and Memorial University including its Genesis Group.
“Our academic funding programs attract, develop and retain highly-qualified researchers at the academic level and foster a collaborative research environment,” said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, Research & Development Corporation. “Health sector R&D investments like today's generate significant economic outcomes, including commercial products, increased productivity, research-related employment opportunities, decreased public health-care costs and substantial health benefits.”
“Memorial University is home to exceptional health researchers,” said Dr. Christopher Loomis, Vice President (Research), Memorial University. “Their innovative work, enabled by investments from RDC, is advancing our understanding of important health problems and helping to identify new ways to improve the lives of the people of this province and beyond. Financial support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, awarded through programs of the Research & Development Corporation, is also essential to creating a competitive and successful environment for research and innovation.”
In support of health research, RDC partners with CIHR through the Regional Partnership Program to provide additional research funding in Newfoundland and Labrador. CIHR provides up to $1 million in incremental funding as a result of this partnership. The Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Partnership Program advisory committee evaluates projects according to CIHR grant type and score, budget requirements and alignment with agreed upon priority areas.
One of the researchers receiving funding today is Dr. Kenneth Kao, a professor in the Division of Biomedical Sciences in Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Kao is receiving $90,247 from RDC for research that will aid in discovering novel biomarkers for detection and treatment of prostate cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Kao said the incidence of prostate cancer has become a growing
concern for men in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“New diagnostic technologies would be useful to accurately discern patients who will benefit from one or another type of therapy,” said Dr. Kao. “Our research is intended to identify new molecular markers that may be used to better characterize prostate tumours to help guide treatment options.”
Dr. Kao’s funding from RDC is leveraging an additional $147,637 from CIHR, the Genesis Group, Ride for Dad and Memorial University.
Descriptions of the projects receiving funding from RDC are contained in the backgrounder of this release, while further details of RDC’s academic programs are available online at www.researchnl.com.
The Research & Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s R&D performance. RDC works with R&D stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments. In Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government allocated more than $19 million to make strategic research and development related investments in people, strategic opportunities and infrastructure. For more information about RDC, go to www.researchnl.com.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Jeff Green Manager, Marketing & Communications Research & Development Corporation 709-758-0973, 691-8892 jeffsgreen@researchnl.com |
Meaghan Whalen Communications Co-ordinator Office of the Vice-President (Research) Memorial University of Newfoundland 709-864-4073, 687-9243 mcwhelan@mun.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Research Projects Supported through RDC’s Academic Programs
A total of $1,679,557 is being invested in the following 14 research projects at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Funding is provided through two of RDC’s academic programs: LeverageR&D and IgniteR&D and leverages more than $3.5 million.
LeverageR&D
LeverageR&D attracts public funding for academic-led research and development (R&D) in areas relevant to both industry and the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Targeting the Pygopus Gene for Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment,
$90,247 from RDC
Dr. Kenneth Kao, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine,
Memorial University.
Prostate cancer affects one in six men, yet a significant proportion of
tumours may remain dormant for several years without physically affecting
the patient. Alternatively, some cancers develop and grow rapidly that
prompt radical intervention. This project is directed at discovering novel
biomarkers for cancer detection and treatment. One of these biomarkers is
called Pygopus, which is a protein that is needed for cells when they have
to grow and divide rapidly. Findings show that Pygopus protein is highly
concentrated within a sub-compartment of the nucleus, called the
"nucleolus", of prostate cancer cells. Pygopus, however, is not found at
such high levels in the nucleolus of normal and benign cells. This project
will examine this phenomenon to determine how widespread the Pygopus
biomarker is in the Newfoundland and Labrador prostate cancer patient
population and attempt to determine whether Pygopus can be used as a
therapeutic targeting strategy for prostate cancer. RDC’s funding leverages
$38,184 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, $10,000 from the
Genesis Group, $79,953 from Ride for Dad and $19,500 from Memorial
University.
Community Identity and Genetic Risk: Determining Knowledge Pathways
Related to Genetic Predispositions in Newfoundland and Labrador, $22,500
from RDC
Jill Allison, Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial
University.
The history of isolation and patterns of early immigration and settlement in
Newfoundland and Labrador contributes to a unique population with a number
of genetic diseases. This project explores the meaning of genetic diagnosis
to people from this province and how aspects of biology and the concept of
health now shape our individual, social and political identities. The
research will be based on interviews with people affected by or concerned
with genetic disease in their community, also taking into account that
medical technology can shape society. This project aims to contribute
research findings that will be important for policy makers and health
educators, health care providers, as well as to the knowledge of what people
in Newfoundland understand about genetic disease, what information they need
and how best to provide it. Funding from RDC leverages $22,500 from the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Using a Genetic Isolate to Identify Novel Genes Causing Otosclerosis, the
Most Common Cause of Progressive Hearing Loss in Caucasians Worldwide,
$45,000 from RDC
Nelly Abdelfatah, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss that affects adults in
their 20s to 30s and may lead to profound hearing loss across all sound
frequencies. It is caused by abnormal overgrowth of bone in the middle ear
that results in the small hammer bone (stapes) attaching to the ear drum. In
some cases, this type of deafness runs in families and is passed on
generation after generation. For a diagnosis of otosclerosis, a doctor, who
is an ears, nose and throat specialist, has to exclude all other diseases
that may cause the progressive hearing loss observed in the patient. If the
diagnosis is correct, a surgical procedure that separates the hammer bone
from the ear drum can completely restore hearing. Genetic studies are
underway in families with otosclerosis to identify the genes causing the
abnormal bone growth in order to understand why it happens so preventative
therapies can be developed and to provide a genetic test to identify those
who would benefit from the surgical procedure. Funding from RDC leverages
$45,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Cerebrovascular Alterations Associated with Stroke, $176,719 from RDC
Dr. John Smeda, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
This research will test the effects of providing captopril and/or losartan
treatment to a special breed of rat after the animal has had a stroke. Both
captopril and losartan are drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure
in humans. It is known that giving treatment with captopril and/or losartan
after stroke improves clinical outcomes, but it is not known why. Previous
research has shown that these rats will have a blood clot expansion and a
secondary hemorrhage formation after the first stroke. This is important
since an expanding blood clot after stroke is a direct predictor of death,
both in rats and humans. This project is aimed at understanding the
mechanisms that are involved in producing hemorrhagic stroke and to try to
develop treatment therapies that can be used to prevent death and disability
after this stroke develops. Funding from RDC leverages $176,719 from the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
MIER1 Alpha, a Novel PPAR Gamma Co-regulator, and its Role in
Adipogenesis, $139,218 from RDC
Dr. Gary Paterno, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
Over the past two decades, the prevalence of obesity in the western world
has increased at an alarming rate, with Newfoundland and Labrador recording
the highest rate in Canada. This has led to a significant increase in
obesity-related disorders and dealing with these disorders requires a
complete understanding of fat metabolism at the cellular and molecular
level. The fat cells in the body, the adipocytes, are the pivotal players in
fat storage and metabolism. A molecule called PPARy in these cells is a
"master" regulator that controls adipocyte number, size and function. Prior
R&D discovered a critical modulator of PPARy called mesoderm induction early
response 1 alpha (MIER1a) and preliminary work provides evidence that
knocking out MIER1a significantly reduces the number of fat cells. This
research project is aimed at determining the role of MIER1a in human adipose
tissue, and the potential MIER1a has to provide a novel target for the
design of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of obesity. Funding from RDC
leverages $139,218 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Identifying Novel Genes Causing Otosclerosis, the Most Common Cause of
Progressive Hearing Loss in Caucasians Worldwide, $250,554 from RDC
Dr. Terry-Lynn Young, Discipline of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial
University.
Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss that affects adults in
their 20s to 30s and may progress to profound hearing loss. It is caused by
abnormal overgrowth of the tiny bones in the middle ear, causing these
normally mobile bones to "freeze". In some cases, this type of hearing loss
runs in families and is passed on generation after generation. For a
diagnosis of otosclerosis, a doctor (ears, nose and throat specialist) has
to exclude all other diseases that may cause the progressive hearing loss
she/he observes in the patient. If the diagnosis is correct, a surgical
procedure (called a stapedectomy) can completely restore hearing. Genetic
studies are underway in families with otosclerosis to identify the genes
causing the abnormal bone growth in order to provide a genetic test that can
quickly provide an accurate diagnosis and to understand why it happens so
preventative therapies can be developed. Funding from RDC leverages $250,544
from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Identification of Genetic Factors Correlated with Survival in Colorectal
Cancer: Investigation of Genetic Markers from Angiogenesis/Lymphangiogenesis
and Metastasis Pathways, $114,190
Dr. Sevtap Savas, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
Cancer survival is modified by a variety of factors, including genetic
factors. Identification of these genetic factors plays a critical role in
selection of appropriate treatment regimen and delivering the most effective
medical care to patients, however, the majority of the genetic factors
influencing survival in colorectal cancer is currently unknown. Generation
of new blood vessels around tumours is a biological process directly
involved in tumour growth and its spread to distant sites in the body. In
this project, Dr. Savas aims to investigate the genetic correlation of genes
involved in this new blood vessel growth and its relation to survival in
colorectal cancer by obtaining genetic profiles of patients, followed by
statistical analyses. Results of this study may improve patient survival in
colorectal cancer. Funding from RDC leverages $114,190 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research.
The Newfoundland Genealogical Toolkit, $250,000 from RDC
Dr. Proton Rahman, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.
The Newfoundland Genealogical Toolkit will be a state-of-the-art information
technology platform able to generate large family trees necessary to conduct
world-class studies on the role played by genetics in disease, drug efficacy
and adverse events. The system will be able to link detailed, existing
Newfoundland genealogical databases to information regarding family
structure, disease status, drug exposure and clinical outcomes. The toolkit
will provide support for new gene discoveries linked to diseases, genetic
causes for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), pharmacogenetic (drug-genetic
interactions) studies and personalized medicine. Funding from RDC leverages
$1,750,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, $120,500 from the
Arthritis Society, $61,900 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Salary Grant and $60,000 from the Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine.
Protection of CNS Neurons by Heat Shock Proteins, $163,677 from RDC
Dr. Karen Mearow, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine,
Memorial University.
This project is aimed at studying the role of Heat Shock Protein 27 (Hsp27)
in Alzheimer’s disease. It has been known in the scientific literature for
some time that a small protein called beta-amyloid, forms plaques that are
present in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It is also thought that these
plaques are a major cause of the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It has
been more recently discovered that there are increased levels of Hsp27 in
the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is
unclear whether the Hsp27 is present as part of the disease process or if
they gather in the brain in a potentially protective response to the stress
the brain is under in this situation. This project seeks to find the exact
mechanism of how Hsp27 protects neurons from cell damage and death from
beta-amyloid protein. Funding from RDC leverages $163,677 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research.
Origin of the Arrhythmogenic Calcium in Cardiac Purkinje Fibres after
Myocardial Infarction, $62,546 from RDC
Dr. Bruno Stuyvers, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine,
Memorial University.
Most deaths associated with heart attacks are caused by a lethal form of
cardiac arrhythmias called Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia or PVTs.
Without appropriate medical assistance, PVTs can escalate to the point of
causing cardiac arrest. This project aims to identify new targets for more
selective anti-arrhythmic drugs that will prevent or interrupt the
progression of PVTs into arrhythmias during the heart attack. This will also
assist clinical procedures to minimize the risk of PVTs in emergency
situations of severe heart attack. Understanding the risk of lethal
arrhythmias is a highly relevant issue for society and this project is
intended to contribute to this critical area of medical research. Funding
from RDC leverages $62,546 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Signal Transduction Pathways Regulating Genetic Exchange, $105,000 from
RDC
Dr. Andrew Lang, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Memorial
University.
Bacteria employ several different mechanisms for the movement of genetic
material between cells. One of these is the movement of genes through the
activities of viruses, whereby the virus acts as the “carrier” of genetic
information between bacterial cells. Recent work in Dr. Lang's laboratory
has revealed that the production of the genetic exchange activity is
regulated through a complex regulatory system and that this activity is
stimulated in response to nutrient deprivation. This project brings Dr.
Lang's laboratory together with leading researchers in Canada and the United
States to decipher how the genetic exchange activity is coordinated through
this complex regulatory network. In collaboration with one of the most
advanced proteomics facilities worldwide, this project will make use of
novel genomic technologies to further the understanding of genetic exchange
processes. Funding from RDC leverages $400,000 from the Environmental
Molecular Sciences Laboratory.
IgniteR&D
IgniteR&D attracts highly-qualified academic researchers and builds new research and development (R&D) capacity in areas relevant to both industry and the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Study of the Molecular Regulation of Fat Cell Growth and Development in
Obesity, $100,000 from RDC
Dr. Sherri Christian, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,
Memorial University.
Over 60 per cent of adult Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are at risk for
developing obesity-related diseases such as Type II diabetes, heart disease,
stroke and certain types of cancer. Identification of molecular regulators
of fat cell development and growth that could be targeted to reduce fat
tissue mass in obese individuals could lead to a better understanding of the
molecular mechanisms that regulate weight gain and weight loss. This project
will explore how the cell-surface receptors on newborn fat cells control the
development of these cells into fully functional white fat cells that make
up the majority of fat tissue. Understanding how the normal development of
newborn fat cells into mature fat tissue is controlled is crucial for the
development of safe and potentially long-lasting, therapies or interventions
that could reduce the amount of fat tissue in obese individuals.
Mapping Public Health for the Future, $59,906 from RDC
Dr. James Valcour, Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine,
Memorial University.
This project involves the development and implementation of a public health
geographic information system that will be used to monitor, inform and
research emerging or existing public health problems. The system will allow
for improved public health response to emerging or changing disease
situations and enhance decision making in the public health authorities.
Identification of Blood Lipids That May Influence Coronary Artery
Disease, $100,000 from RDC
Dr. Robert Brown, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Memorial
University.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of premature death in
Newfoundland and Labrador. Treatment options are limited and pharmaceuticals
are needed to complement existing treatment methods. This project focuses on
understanding how a group of common enzymes known as lipases can potentially
provide both detrimental and beneficial effects on the progression of
coronary artery disease. Lipases that are exposed to blood break down the
lipids that are associated with both LDL (or "bad cholesterol") and HDL (or
"good cholesterol") through a process known as hydrolysis. Understanding how
these products of hydrolysis alter tissue functions is extremely important
toward identifying new compounds that can mimic the protective effects of
some products and block the detrimental effects of other products. Research
will ultimately identify novel pathways that will be of interest to the
pharmaceutical industry for developing new medications that can alter these
pathways and combat coronary artery disease.
2011 12 19 10:50 a.m.