Antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia work by blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine. An unusual interaction has been observed between dopamine receptors and GABAA receptors – another important type of brain receptor that inhibits brain cell activity. While these two receptors belong to two functionally different families of receptor, researchers have found that blocking dopamine receptors also reduces the number of GABAA receptors on the brain cell membrane surface. Dr. Tak Wong is studying the mechanisms by which the two receptors interact. Ultimately, he hopes to identify possible therapeutic targets that will allow better treatments for schizophrenia.
Research Location: Vancouver Hospital & Health Sciences Centre
Genes regulated by the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells
Dawn Bradley’s research focuses on the key role of the male hormone androgen in prostate cancer, the second leading cause of death for men with cancer in North America. Prostate tumours initially need androgen to grow and proliferate, but tumours can progress to the point where they survive without androgen. Conventional treatments are ineffective when prostate tumours become androgen-independent. Bradley is investigating the process by which the androgen receptor regulates various genes. Using microarrays, a technology that allows thousands of genes to be examined in a single experiment, she hopes to identify genes that are regulated by the androgen receptor and other genes that progress to androgen-independence. Her research will improve understanding of how prostate cancer cells become androgen-independent and provide potential targets for anti-cancer therapies.
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.
The clinical and economic outcomes of patients with lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
Lower back and leg pain from a herniated disk and sciatica (pain on the sciatic nerves) is one of the most common causes of chronic disability and workplace absenteeism. Treatment approaches are inconsistent as there is still much to learn about this condition. Dr. Jeffrey Quon hopes to address this knowledge gap by comparing the long-term outcomes for patients treated through surgery and non-surgical therapies at Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre. Quon’s research aims to identify the physical, psychosocial and clinical factors that contribute to early or delayed recovery. Another goal is to identify patients at risk for chronic disability and help physicians make informed decisions about which cases will respond best to surgical or non-surgical treatments. Quon, whose diverse background includes chiropractic training and research in complementary medicine, hopes this work will culminate in cost-effective therapies that prevent long-term disability.
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.
Growth and Signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer progression
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in North American men. Treatment of the disease often involves blocking testosterone, an important regulator of cell survival and division in the prostate. But prostate tumours can eventually survive and grow even without testosterone, and once this occurs, there is no alternative therapy. Dr. Sandra Krueckl is investigating changes within cells that lead to testosterone-independence and progression of prostate cancer. She is also exploring evidence that suggests insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and cellular signalling molecules influenced by IFG-1, are key to the development of testosterone-independence. By illuminating these genetic changes, Krueckl hopes to identify molecular targets for cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Regulation of Bcl-2 family members involved in macrophage cell survival
Shih Wei Wang is examining the role of a family of proteins implicated in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a condition that puts people at risk of heart attacks and stroke. In the early stage of atherosclerosis, plaque forms along the inner lining of arteries. This occurs at sites where altered LDL blood proteins enable blood cells known as macrophages to survive. While macrophages act as scavengers to remove foreign substances from the body, macrophages also turn into foam cells that contribute to plaque build-up. Wang’s research focuses on the Bcl-2 family of proteins, including proteins that regulate cell death and others that contribute to cell survival. In experiments incorporating techniques from biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology, Wang is analyzing proteins that influence macrophage survival and death. The research could lead to improved therapy for people with atherosclerosis, involving selective drugs that block specific proteins or enzymes.