Brian MacNeil, PhD, BSc (PT)
Assistant Professor
Physical Therapy, School of Medical Rehabilitation
macneil@scrc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Current research is focused on the interactions between the brain and the immune system. Current projects examine the ability of the sympathetic and endocrine systems to regulate cytokine production following toll-like receptor stimulation in rodents. Similarly, the ability of stress to act through the SNS and endocrine system and alter cytokine responses is also examined. The effects of inflammation on neural activation are also studied using immunohistochemical, western blot and electrophysiological techniques. Recent studies have begun to extend these relationships to the process of cutaneous and joint inflammation and include laser doppler assessment of cutaneous responses to various intradermal stimuli. Lastly, cytokine and vascular responses are also assessed in a rodent model of long-term spinal cord injury as an additional model of neuroimmune interaction.
Andrew R. MacRae, BSc, MSc, PhD, D. Clin. Chem., FCACB
Associate Professor
Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
macrae@cc.umanitoba.ca
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Prenatal screening provides information about the likelihood of the developing fetus having Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Patients weigh this likelihood against the risk inherent in having amniocentesis and a diagnostic test. In most of Canada, prenatal screening relies on three biochemical tests. Our CIHR-funded "SAFER Study" examined ways to reduce aminocentesis procedures while increasing detection. As a result, Manitoba added a fourth marker, dimeric inhibin-A, and a fifth marker also appears feasible, lessening patient anxiety, fetal losses and overall cost.
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. During myocardial infarction (MI) biochemical compounds are released into the blood. The principal "cardiac marker" is troponin. Recent improvements to assays enable measurement of very small concentrations. Our collaboration with McMaster University, University of Toronto, and the Mayo Clinic, using specimens originally banked by us, has examined ways to combine markers to diagnose MI, and predict future cardiac events.
Sabine Mai, PhD
Professor
Physiology
smai@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Our research is focused on mechanisms of genomic instability as they are relevant to tumor initiation and promotion. Our work has identified the oncoprotein c-Myc as a key regulator in the onset of genomic instability and recently, in the remodeling of the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the interphase nucleus. Using 3D imaging, we have shown that c-Myc deregulation induces aberrant nuclear positions of telomeres, centromeres and chromosomes. Such changes occur in mouse models of cancer and in human cancer biopsies.
Current research efforts aim to identify mechanisms of nuclear remodeling that occurs at the onset of genomic instability.
Rizwan Manji, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FRCPC, MBA
Assistant Professor
Cardiac Surgery/Critical Care
rmanji@sbgh.mb.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
1. Heart valve research
2. Outcomes and quality improvement in cardiac surgery and critical care
Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor
Medicine, Community Health Sciences
rmarrie@exchange.hsc.mb.ca
Open for Collaboration
The long-term goal of my research program is to improve the health of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a disabling chronic disease of the central nervous system, affecting more than 2,000 Manitobans, and more than 50,000 Canadians. Comorbidities, such as diabetes of high blood pressure, are common in the general population. Comorbidity increases with age, and is associated with higher mortalitly, increased use of health care services, and reduced quality of life. In MS, little is known about which comorbidities are most common, when they are likely to occur in the disease course; or how they influence treatment decisions, treatment responses, or heath outcomes. My research focuses on the impact of comorbitiy on several facets of MS, including clinical outcomes and health care utilization.
Aaron J. Marshall, PhD, BSc (Hon)
Associate Professor
Immunology
marshall@ms.umanitoba.ca
Acceting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Secretion of antibodies by B lymphocytes is the cornerstone of the humoral immune response that protects us from infectious disease. The recruitment of B lymphocytes into the immune response is controlled in large part by receptor-ligand interactions which activate intracellular signaling cascades, in turn activating the appropriate cellular response programs. Inappropriate regulation of lymphocyte activation can lead to pathological conditions including allergy, asthma, or leukema/lymphoma. The overall goal of our research program is to define the network of molecular signals that regulate lymphocyte function in normal and pathological situations. This research program is discovering new signaling mechanisms controlling immune responses to vaccines and allergens, and also identifying specific signaling abnormalitites contributing to unrestricted growth of lymphocyte-derived cancer cells.
Patricia J. Martens, BSc, Cert. Ed., MSc, IBCLC, PhD
Professor, and Director of MCHP
Community Health Sciences (Manitoba Centre for Health Policy)
Pat_Martens@cpe.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Dr. Martens' interests in health services and population health research include projects on the health status and healthcare use of Manitoba's rural & northern residents, healthcare service use by those with mental illness, the health of Aboriginal people, and child health (including evaluating community intervention strategies to increase breastfeeding rates). Dr. Martens directs The Need to Know Team, a collaborative research group of university academics working with planners from Manitoba's 11 Regional Health Authorities and the Manitoba Department of Health. The Team's research impact on health policy and planning was recognized through receipt of the CIHR's national KT Award for Regional Impact in 2005. Dr. Martens has held various research career awards, including a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator Award and presently a CIHR/PHAC Applied Public Health Chair. Dr. Martens is also involved in various national research committees, including Governing Board of the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation.
Patrick McDonald, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
Assistant Professor
Surgery (Neurosurgery), Pediatrics and Child Health
pmcdonald@hsc.mb.ca
Open for Collaboration
Research focuses on two areas. The first is outcomes in the management of pediatric hydrocephalus through a combination of multicentred clinical trials, both nationally and internationally, as well as qualitative outcomes in selected children with hydrocephalus and other pediatric neurosurgical disorders. The second research focus is pediatric bioethics with an emphasis on research ethics using a combination of qualitative and narrative studies. Current projects include a study of pediatric neurosurgeons attitudes toward end-of-life care in children and the ethics of randomized controlled trials in surgery.
Andrew McKay, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Assistant Professor
Surgery, Community Health Sciences
amckay3@exchange.hsc.mb.ca
Open for Collaboration
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies
Population-based outcomes in cancer treatment
Verena Menec, PhD
Professor
Community Health Sciences
menec@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Dr. Menec holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging. Her research interests lie in the areas of predictors of healthy aging, health care use, the relationship between health care use and population health, particularly in the context of older adults. More specifically, her current research projects focus on the complex interaction between individual and "age-friendly" community factors, acting aging, and health among seniors. This research involves the use of survey data, community-level data and administrative health care records to determine what factors promote or hinder activity participation, and, ultimately, health outcomes among seniors. Qualitative research methods are also being used to understand better how age-friendly communities are from the perspectives of seniors. A second major research area involves examining health care use at the end of life using administrative databases.
Donald Miller, BS, PhD
Associate Professor
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
miller5@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
My research focus is on the specialized brain capillary endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Under normal conditions, the BBB restricts the passage of most solutes and macromolecules between the blood and the brain. However, in many neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, neuro-AIDS, stroke, and brain tumors, the BBB is compromised. Thus one area of focus in my laboratory is on understanding the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the BBB compromise observed during these pathophysiological conditions with the goal of identifying potential treatment targets for these diseases. In addition, I am also actively involved in research projects aimed at the identification and development of strategies for enhancing the BBB transport and permeability of drugs and/or nutraceutical agents. The objective of these studies is to optimize therapy for central nervous system diseases through improved delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. My laboratory uses both cell culture as well as animal models to examine BBB permeability in both health and disease states.
Gerald Y. Minuk, MD, FRCP
Professor
Medicine and Pharmacology and Therapeutics
gminuk@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Dr. Minuk's laboratory research focuses on the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Specifically, his research team is testing the hypothesis that the electrical membrane potential of cells influences hepatocyte proliferative activity. His group has identified GABA-A receptor subunits (beta-3 and epsilon) in the liver that appear to play an important role in that regard. When activated by GABA or GABA receptor agonists, hepatocytes hyperpolarize and proliferative activity is attenuated. Of interest, maligant hepatocytes are deficient in GABA receptor expression. When transfected with GABA-A receptor cDNA, these cells hyperpolarize and lose their malignant features. Dr. Minuk's research team is also involved in antiviral studies wherein cytokines, nucleotides, analogues, and DNA vaccines are being employed to treat chronic hepatitis B and C infections in humans.
Tooru Mizuno, PhD
Assistant Professor
Physiology
mizunot@cc.umanitoba.ca
Open for Collaboration
My laboratory studies the hypothalamic regulation of metabolic and neuroendocrine function in relation to obesity, diabetes and aging.
(1) Roles of the melanocortin system in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
(2) Roles of gastrointestinal hormones in the regulation of energy balance.
(3) Regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression by nutritional factors.
(4) Regulation of metabolism under a microgravity condition.
Techniques being utilized in these studies include gene expression analysis (real-time PCR, Northern blot, and in situ hybridization), immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, genetic manipulation (genetically-engineered mouse models and RNA interference), laser capture microdissection, and comprehensive analyses of metabolic parameters using a metabolic cage system.
Michael E K Moffatt, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Professor
Pediatrics and Child Health, Community Health Sciences
mmoffatt@hsc.mb.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Past research has included surveys and clinical trials in the areas of iron deficiency anemia, SIDS, injury, enuresis, vitamin D deficiency and early childhood dental caries. Have also performed meta-analysis on the treatment of otitis media and mentored students on a variety of other meta-analysis projects. Have also done population health status surveys in northern communities. Currently am in the process of changing research directions to orient towards helath services research.
Redwan Moqbel, PhD, FRCPath
Professor and Head
Immunology
moqbelr@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
My main research covers the following 2 areas currently supported by CIHR operating grants: (1) Intracellular mechanisms that regulate leukocyte degranulation (exocytosis) leading to release of cytotoxic mediators stored in inflammatory and immune cell granules and vesicles plays a central role in disease processes. We have recently identified VAMP-7, a member of the vesicular SNARE family of docking proteins, as a key player in regulating the fusion and secretion of eosinophil and neutrophil granules. Using murine asthma models, we are currently determining if regulated exocytosis of inflammatory cells contribute to airway limitation and thus are effective therapeutic targets. (2) Tryptophan oxidative catabolism by the rate-limiting and IFN-g-inducible enzyme , indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), resulting in biologically-active kynurenines (KYN). KYNs in turn induce Th1 cell apoptosis while allowing Th2 cell proliferation. We have identified the receptors on T-cells involved in this response and are examining the role of these receptors in sensitization and immune tolerance.
Stephen Moses, MD, MPH
Professor
Medical Microbiology, Community Health Sciences
smoses@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Dr. Moses' main research and programmatic interests include biological and behavioral risk factors for STI/HIV transmission; syndromic approaches and risk assessment in the management of sexually transmitted infections; focused interventions among vulnerable groups to reduce the transmission of STIs and HIV infection; health worker training in STI management in resource-poor settings; and integrated approaches to STI/HIV prevention and control.
Michael Mowat, PhD
Professor
Biochemistry & Medical Genetics
mmowat@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
My laboratory is interested in mouse models of cancer. Present research details with the tumor suppressor genes Deleted in Liver Cancer-1 & -2(Dlc), which code for RhoGap proteins that are found inactivated in many tumors. We are looking at their role in tumor progression, anticancer drug response and in signaling by the phospholipid second messenger ceramide. We are also developing conditional knockout mice for these genes. Further information on the research in my laboratory can be found at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&dispmax=150&term=Mowat+M[auth]
Leigh C. Murphy, PhD, BSc
Professor
Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, MICB
lcmurph@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
The aim of my research is to elucidate mechanisms by which estrogens influence development of breast cancer, and by which human breast cancers develop resistance to current endocrine therapies and progress to hormone independence. The short term goal is to identify better biomarkers of risk of developing breast cancer, and better biomarkers of treatment response, by identifying the genes involved in estrogen signal transduction in vivo in breast tissue samples both normal and neoplastic, using resources of the Manitoba Breast Tumor Bank/Clinical Database, the Breast Cancer Research Centre, and the Genomics Centre. These resources provide patient biopsy samples, state- of-the-art high throughput molecular profiling technology e.g. DNA and tissue arrays, proteomics and cytogenetics platforms. The long term goal is to identify new and better treatment and prevention targets by determining the functional role of candidate gene products (identified from the above study) in breast cancer progression , by using animal and cell culture models and the resources of the Mamm
Yvonne Myal, PhD, MSc, BSc (Hon)
Associate Professor
Pathology
myal@cc.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
The overall aim of my research program is to identify breast/breast cancer specific biomarkers and to understand the biological role of these markers in human breast tumorigenesis. We are currently focusing our efforts on three such genes in my laboratory. One of these, the human small breast epithelial mucin (hSBEM) is a novel breast-specific human gene which we earlier identified, that appears to be associated with a particular subset of breast cancer. Another is the human prolactin inducible protein/gross cystic disease fluid protein (hPIP/GCDFP-15) gene, an established biomarker for abnormal breast functions. Its role in breast cancer as well as in normal breast development is presently not known and we are currently trying to elucidate its function using a "knockout"mouse model. Thirdly, we are also investigating the role of the tight junction protein, claudin 1 (cldn1), in breast turmorigenesis. We have found that the cidn1 gene is markedly down regulated in invasive breast cancer and represents a potentially interesting therapeutic target for breast cancer.
James Imre Nagy, PhD, MSc, BSc
Professor
Physiology
nagyji@ms.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
· Identification of gap junction proteins, connexins, expressed by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system.
· Analysis of the regulation of glial gap junctional communication and the contribution of glial gap junctions to neural injury and to neuroprotection in animal models of stroke.
· Elucidation of the role of neuronal gap junctions and connexins in electrical synaptic transmission and inter-neuronal communication in the adult central nervous system in normal and disease conditions.
· Studies on the developmental regulation of neuronal connexins and the contribution of inter-neuronal gap junctions to neuronal development in mammalian CNS.
· Identification of proteins associated with gap junctions and analysis of their regulatory and structural roles in connexin trafficking, phosphorylation, assembly and junctional communication.
· Development of antibodies against connexins and gap junction-associated proteins.
Thomas Netticadan, MSc, PhD
Adjunct Professor
Physiology
tnetticadan@sbrc.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality in humans in North America and in most other parts of the world. Current treatments have proven inadequate and the incidence of death due to heart failure is on the rise. Accordingly, it is of paramount significance to explore novel strategies to prevent death due to heart failure. Compounds derived from foods have recently gained recognition for its therapeutic potential. The research in my laboratory focusses on exploring the potential of such compounds in preventing the development of heart failure. In this regard, we have recently discovered that resverarol, a compound found predominantly in grapes and berries, reversed abnormalities in heart structure and its function in rats which developed early stages of heart failure. We are currently examining the cellular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of resveratrol. These studies will establish the potential for resveratrol and other food-derived compounds which are currently being studied, in the treatment of heart failure.
Peter Nickerson, BSc, MD, FRCPC
Professor
Internal Medicine and Immunology
Peter.Nickerson@med.umanitoba.ca
As a member of the Transplant Manitoba - Adult Kidney Program and the Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Dr. Nickerson's research, supported by the CIHR and NIH, is focused on improving outcomes in kidney transplantation. In particular, Dr Nickerson, working with his researh collaborators Dr. Rush and Wilkins, is identifying novel protein biomarkers in the urine that can be used to detect rejection in the transplant prior to any long lasting damage having occured. The ulimate goal is to develop a urine test that patients could use at home to monitor their transplant, much like individuals monitor their blood sugars.
B.L.G. Nyomba, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine
bnyomba@cc.umanitoba.ca
Open for Collaboration
Research in my laboratory aims to investigate the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. One theme of investigation has been the role of the intrauterine milieu (e.g. alcohol consumption during pregnancy) as a cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in the offspring.
Another area of interest has been the role of adipocyte hormones (leptin, resistin, adiponectin) in obesity and the regulation of glucose homeostasis.
Insulin signalling and transcription factors involved in insulin action are being explored. The ultimate goal is a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Karmin O, MB, PhD
Professor
Animal Science, Physiology
karmino@sbrc.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
We are currently conducting research into the molecular mechanisms of risk factor induced vascular disorders and health related effects of nutraceuticals. Our laboratory has developed a cell culture system and several useful animal models which mimic human diseases to test the bioactivities of compounds and extracts isloated from agricultural products and herbs. Specifically, we investigate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the beneficial effects of various extracts and compounds in multi-experimental models including: (1) antioxidant properties using the in vitro and in vivo assays, (2) inflammatory responses by measuring biomarkers to detect inflammation in humans and animals at the molecular, protein and gene levels, (3) regulation of lipid metabolism, and (4) functional evaluation including blood parameters, lipoprotein profile, enzyme activities, cardiovascular, liver and kidney functions.
Pamela Orr, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Professor
Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Community Health Sciences
porr@hsc.mb.ca
Open for Collaboration
Currently involved in research on:
1) the genetic environmental and social determinants of infectious disease in aboriginal populations in Canada and Siberia;
2) physical and socio-cultural anthropologic studies of tuberulosis in aboriginal populations;
3) infectious and chronic disease, and health care delivery, in circumpolar regions;
4) clinical trials of antiviral drugs and of vaccines.
Carla Osiowy, PhD, MSc, BSc
Adjunct Professor
Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine
carla_osiowy@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Molecular characterization of Hepatitis B virus (HBV): Investigation of drug-resistant and vaccine-escape mutants and occult HBV; Molecular evolution studies. Functional analysis of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) F protein. Molecular interactions between HCV, HBV and HIV.
Fiona Parkinson, PhD, BSc
Professor
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Fiona_Parkinson@umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
My primary research interests are neurochemistry and neurological disorders. My current research projects revolve around two topics: regulation of brain adenosine levels and the blood-brain barrier.
Adenosine is a neuromodulator with effects on stroke injury, Parkinson's Disease, sleep, depression and epilepsy. I am particularly interested in identifiying the cellular and molecular events that trigger adenosine production, with the goal of manipulating adenosine levels for therapeutic benefit.
The blood-brain barrier is composed of specialized endothelial cells that line the blood vessels of the brain and restrict the access of substances into the brain. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier contributes to, and may be an early event in, conditions such as stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer's Disease and multiple sclerosis. I use models of the blood-brain barrier to study drugs, toxins and proteins that affect the integity of this structure.
Jean A. Paterson, PhD, MSc, BSc
Senior Scholar
Human Anatomy and Cell Science
paterson@cc.umanitoba.ca
Open for Collaboration
My research background is in brain development, specifically on the differentiation of glial cells. I also study the peripheral sensory cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. The sensory input from these cells may influence the development of the central neural regions receiving this auditory input, an influence possibly mediated by neurotrophic factors.
My second interest is in the design and testing of digital media as aids to morphological studies by students in the health sciences. With colleagues in Anatomy, I continue to create study packages that foster interactivity with the learner. I also work on finding effective ways to explain or "translate", basic neuro-anatomical concepts for a nonspecialist audience.
Zhikang Peng, MD, MSc
Professor
Pediatrics and Child Health, Immunology
zpeng@ms.umanitoba.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Development of IgE and cytokine vaccines for the treatment of allergy and autoimmune diseases. In allergic and autoimmune diseases, IgE and/or some cytokines are significantly elevated and associated with the severity of the disease. We are working on the development of peptide-based IgE
and cytokine vaccines which induce autoantibodies to neutralize elevated IgE or target cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17 or TNF alpha, etc.), improving symptoms on a long-term basis.
Mosquito allergy. Our lab has been considered as the leading facility in the world for the study of mosquito allergy at the molecular level. Research includes studies on immune mechanisms, cloning and characterizing
recombinant salivary allergens, and development of diagnostic assays.
Grant N. Pierce, PhD, FACC, FAHA, FAPS, FISHR, FIACS, FCAHS
Assistant Dean (Research), Professor
Physiology
gpierce@sbrc.ca
Accepting Graduate Students
Open for Collaboration
Open for Commercialization
Research in our lab focuses on vascular disease. Our lab is involved in both basic science investigations and clinical research. We use cell biology, molecular biology and biochemical tools to address research questions. We examine: 1) regulation of nuclear protein import in vascular cells; 2) the effects of infection on atherosclerosis; 3) the effect of dietary flaxseed on atherosclerosis and vascular function; 4) the role of Na/Ca exchange in ischemic injury to the heart.
Pierre Plourde, MD, FRCP, Cert. Infec. Dis., LMCC
Associate Professor
Community Health Science, Medical Microbiology
EDAC_B5@mcc.ca
Open for Collaboration
Risks to Canadians travelling to foreign destinations assessment of immigrants from developing countries
Epidemiology of social sexual and IDU networks. Harm reduction approaches to public health prevention and promotion.
Joseph Polimeni, MD, FRCPC
Associate Professor
Psychiatry
JPolimeni@shaw.ca
Open for Collaboration
Evolutionary psychiatry is my primary research interest. Other areas include 1) cognitive mechanics of humor perception 2) schizophrenia cognition, and 3) using fMRI to investigate higher-cognitive functions in psychiatric conditions. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a new research direction.