Download 2007 - 2008 - Robarts Research Institute

ROBARTS
2007/2008
The Innovator
More than just an ideas man, Dr. Aaron Fenster
is putting medical technology into practice
Global
connections
With scores of collaborations in 20 countries worldwide, Robarts
scientists are key players in the global pursuit to advance science
and improve human health. Here is a sample of some of their
collaborative projects with colleagues around the world.
Vascular biologists Dr. Robert Gros and
Dr. Geoffrey Pickering are collaborating with
scientists in Nashville, Tennessee to examine
the role of vasodilator mechanisms in
vascular smooth muscle cells.
Working with Canadian and Danish
scientists, Dr. Robert Hegele is studying
cardiovascular disease risk in
Greenland Inuit as part of a five-year
project on determinants of health in
circumpolar populations, including
Canadian and Greenland Inuit people.
With researchers in Paris, vascular
biologist Dr. Geoffrey Pickering is
investigating the molecular pathways
that control smooth muscle cells in
diseased arteries.
lymphoma and
leukemia, immunologist Dr. Joaquin
In the study of
Madrenas works with colleagues in Venezuela
to isolate immune cells from tonsillectomy
samples for further analysis at Robarts.
accelerating medical discovery
Setting the Pace for
Medical Discovery
Robarts scientists are leaders in
commercialization. Through patents,
licensing agreements, and spin-off
companies, our researchers bring
discoveries and new technologies to
the market, the clinic, and ultimately,
the patient.
To date, 180 invention disclosures at
Robarts have translated into 80 patents
and 18 commercial licences, which
generate annual gross revenues
in excess of $3 million for the Institute,
its scientists, and its partners.
Since 1998, Robarts has spun off
eight private ventures, including
one sold in 2002 to a multi-national
organization in a multi-million dollar
deal. These spin-offs employ nearly
70 people and have secured more than
$80 million in investment capital.
Positioning Robarts competitively
within the “knowledge economy”,
this drive to commercialize reflects an
entrepreneurial culture that permeates
the entire organization. From the
scientists and graduate students working
in the labs to the research accountants
and maintenance workers managing
Institute operations, every member of
the Robarts community is passionate
about accelerating medical discovery.
And that community just got bigger.
On July 1, 2007, Robarts was
formally integrated into The University
of Western Ontario, becoming an
institute within the Schulich School of
Medicine & Dentistry.
This mutually beneficial partnership
provides stable operational funding
and shared administrative resources to
the Institute while preserving a high
level of autonomy for Robarts’ scientific
leaders; at the same time, it significantly
furthers Western’s mission to increase
the University’s research capacity.
The University’s robust research
support, outstanding education
programs, and national and
international connections will help
open doors for Institute researchers as
they continue moving medical advances
from lab bench to bedside. In particular,
collaborations with the Schulich School
of Medicine & Dentistry will help
Robarts scientists shape the future of
health care in Canada and beyond.
As we enter this new era for Robarts
and aggressively search for a new
Scientific Director to lead the Institute,
we are careful to embrace change while
preserving our strengths. We are, as
always, grateful for the continued
support and guidance of our founders,
donors, partners, and supporters.
And now, as always, Robarts
continues to set the pace for medical
discovery.
Dr. Carol. P. Herbert
Dean, Schulich School of
Medicine & Dentistry
Dr. Cecil Rorabeck
Interim Scientific
Director
contents
4 Robarts in the News
Recent developments and
scientific discoveries.
10 The Innovator
Dr. Aaron Fenster
is leading the
commercialization
of medical
discoveries for
clinical application.
13 Making Drug
Development Safer
A new system anticipates
– and prevents – deadly immune
responses to new drugs.
14 Internal Connections
Interdisciplinary collaborations
between Robarts scientists.
16 Driving Medical
Discovery
Meet some of the individuals
supporting the research at Robarts.
18 The Year in Numbers
Robarts Research is published
by Robarts Research Institute.
All contents copyright © 2007.
All rights reserved.
Mailing Address
Robarts Research Institute
P.O. Box 5015, 100 Perth Drive
London, ON, Canada N6A 5K8
[email protected]
www.robarts.ca
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Editor
Anthea Rowe
519-663-3524
[email protected]
Contributing Authors
Wendy Haaf, Anthea Rowe
Design
Blue Aardvark
Graphic Communication
Cover photo: Jackie Noble
Printed in Canada
Robarts in the News
Drs. Paul Davenport and
Cecil Rorabeck
JULY 1, 2007
Robarts Joins Western
Steve Martin
In July 2007 Robarts was integrated into The University of Western Ontario,
establishing it as a medical research institute within Western’s Schulich School
of Medicine & Dentistry.
“We are delighted to welcome Robarts into the Western community,” said
Western President Paul Davenport, “and are committed to strengthening the
institute’s ability to accelerate medical discovery.”
“This merger represents the best of both worlds for Robarts’ science,” said
Interim Scientific Director Dr. Cecil Rorabeck, “and marks the beginning of a
new era for medical discovery in Canada.
institute news
Steve Martin
Province Supports
Robarts-Western Merger
Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the Ontario government’s
investment of $23 million in medical research projects at Robarts and
The University of Western Ontario.
The funds supported the merger of the two institutions and added
new ultra-high field MRI equipment to the Centre for Brain and
Mind, which is a longstanding project between Robarts and Western
dedicated to understanding how the brain works.
imaging
This Old Hip
Dr. David Holdsworth
with orthopedic surgeon
Dr. Douglas Naudie (left)
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Geoff Robins
With life expectancies increasing and Canadians remaining active
later in life, the prevalence of osteoarthritis – and, subsequently, the
number of joint replacements – continues to increase.
Imaging scientist Dr. David Holdsworth is conducting clinical trials
with a unique stereo X-ray system – the only one of its kind in North
America – to examine and improve the joint replacement process.
Comparing post-surgery images to those taken two years later,
the researchers are able to identify shifting or degradation of the
replaced joint long before patients experience discomfort or develop
gait problems.
Immunology
SimonWilson.ca
Top Tier Research
Immunologist Dr. Joaquin Madrenas received the nation’s highest
research award when he was named a Tier One Canada Research
Chair in Immunobiology.
Recognized as a world leader in his field, Dr. Madrenas will receive
a combined $1.4 million in funding over the next seven years from
the Canada Research Chairs Program.
anniversary
With the institute in its 20th year, Robarts’ 2006 Annual Dinner
offered an opportunity to celebrate scientific successes. Hosted by
journalist Heather Hiscox – anchor for CBC News: Morning – the
event eschewed conventional gala entertainment
in favour of media clips documenting significant
scientific discoveries as well as on stage interviews
with Robarts scientists.
Thanks to lead sponsors AstraZeneca, Merck
Frosst, and TD Bank Financial Group for supporting
Heather Hiscox
this landmark event.
Jim Kost
20 Years of Discovery
Drs. Robert Hegele, Lynne Weaver, Jane Rylett, and Ravi Menon await their questions from host
Heather Hiscox
imaging
BioTherapeutics
How to Prevent
Your Stroke
Connecting Mood
and Immunity
Imaging scientist and neurologist
Dr. David Spence has published a
practical guide to stroke prevention.
Containing recipes and lifestyle tips,
as well as methods for identifying your
personal risk factors for stroke, How to
Prevent Your Stroke is a valuable resource for
physicians and patients alike.
It is available for purchase at Chapters
bookstores and at Amazon.ca.
Dr. Peta O’Connell has demonstrated that T-cells
manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin, which in
turn stimulates their function. “Our research identifies
a new pathway of communication within the immune
system,” said Dr. O’Connell.
“Also, we’ve begun to elucidate the mechanism of
cross-talk between the immune and nervous systems,
providing some validation to the folk-lore that a truly
positive outlook can influence our body’s capacity to
fight disease.”
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Robarts in the News
CLINICAL TRIALS
Susan Bradnam, Sun Media Corp.
New Relief for
Crohn’s Sufferers
In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, Robarts’ Clinical Trials
Research Group has completed a worldwide study demonstrating a
new drug’s efficacy in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
“It’s very exciting,” said gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Feagan, who is
Director of the Clinical Trials Research Group. “Certolizumab
pegol – or CIMZIA™ – represents one more treatment option for
Crohn’s sufferers.”
The study appears in the New England Journal of Medicine.
robarts students
Leader of Tomorrow
Masters student Salam Al-Attar took a one-month leave from his
research with endocrinologist Dr. Robert Hegele to participate in
humanitarian efforts in Africa.
A strong believer in the power of the individual to make a
difference, Salam helped build wells, deliver medicine, and dispense
supplies to orphanages and hospitals in Tanzania. He is the lead
coordinator of Youth Aiding Youth, an organization of young people
dedicated to initiating youth activism to meet community needs.
cell biology / imaging
Steve Martin
Combating Brain Degeneration
Pharmacologist Dr. Jane Rylett and imaging scientist Dr. Robert Bartha are teaming up to explore
the use of ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in understanding early changes in the
Alzheimer’s brain.
“The goal is to identify the onset of Alzheimer’s long before symptoms appear, so that early drug
treatment could either completely arrest or significantly slow the progression of the disease,” said
Dr. Rylett.
Their research is supported by a generous donation from Londoner Stewart Geddes and the
Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
1
2
3
imaging
Jim Kost
Breathing New Life into Asthma Research
In collaboration with Robarts scientist Dr. Giles Santyr and London researchers Drs. David
McCormack, Christopher Licskai and Roya Etemad-Rezai, Dr. Grace Parraga’s research lab has initiated
a unique study to investigate exercise-induced asthma in patients. The first of its kind in the world,
the study uses hyperpolarized helium gas and a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner to investigate the
structure and function of asthmatic lungs.
The MR images above represent asthmatic lungs (1) before exercise; (2) within ten minutes of
exercising; and (3) one hour after ceasing exercise. As expected, the images show decreased lung
ventilation immediately following exercise (see the greater number of dark regions); surprisingly,
however, the images also suggest that, one hour after exercising, subjects actually experience better
lung ventilation than they do before exercise.
Potential study subjects can contact Sandra at [email protected].
Provincial Honour
Accolades from the Premier
Premier Dalton McGuinty awarded Dr. Aaron Fenster, Director of
Robarts’ Imaging Research Laboratories, the prestigious Premier’s
Discovery Award for Innovation Leadership.
The award recognizes the individual achievements of senior
researchers whose work enhances Ontario’s reputation as a global
competitive research centre.
Dr. Fenster is renowned for his ability to move medical discoveries
from the lab to the market, where they benefit patients and
physicians managing cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Premier Dalton McGuinty
and Dr. Aaron Fenster
J. Allyn Taylor international prize in medicine
Clinical Trials Work Acclaimed
Even before Robarts Research Institute was built, its founders established an international
research prize recognizing scientists who demonstrate excellence in fields of academic inquiry
aligned with Robarts’ own research groups.
The 2007 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine went to Dr. Rory Collins of the
Clinical Trials Service Unit at the University of Oxford. Dr. Collins’ internationally acclaimed
work involves the establishment of large-scale epidemiological studies into the causes,
prevention, and treatment of vascular disease, heart attacks, and cancer.
The Taylor Prize consistently draws stellar recipients, including (in 2001) Human Genome
decoders Dr. Eric Lander and Dr. Craig Venter.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Robarts in the News
Transplantation / Imaging
MRI of a kidney carrying
transplanted islets
Diabetes Progress
Transplanting insulin-producing islets into patients may hold the
key to curing diabetes; however, the practice’s success to date has
been hindered by low survival rates of the donor islets.
A study led by transplantation immunologist Dr. David White
and imaging scientist Dr. Paula Foster provides new ways to
image transplanted islet cells with magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), enabling the further analysis – and improvement – of the
transplantation procedure.
CELL BIOLOGY
Strong et al, 2007
Demystifying ALS
Neurologist Dr. Michael Strong and his lab have identified
a protein mechanism tied to the degeneration of neurons in
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a discovery that may hold the
key to new methods of disease treatment.
The protein, called TDP-43, plays an important role in the
transport of RNA and contributes to the development of skeins
– the masses of cellular material that are the hallmark of ALS.
A degenerating motor neuron showing TDP-43 skeins (red);
nuclei of other cells appear in blue
new scientist
Dr. Stefan Everling is the most recent principal investigator to join
Robarts’ Imaging Research Laboratories.
Employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dr. Everling
and his research team investigate dysfunctions of the prefrontal cortex
that are associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders such as
schizophrenia, autism, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. They do
so by comparing subjects’ functional MRI signals with electrophysiological
signals during cognitive tasks. His team’s research is also valuable in
predicting the effects of prefrontal strokes and trauma.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Jim Kost
Probing Psychiatric Disorders
FotoPerceptions.com
Robarts Students
Paul Mayne
Head Start in Science
Having joined Robarts when he was only 16
years old, first-year university student Jonathan
McLeod is one of Robarts’ youngest researchers.
He works in the lab of Dr. Terry Peters,
developing a virtual reality training system
for surgeons who conduct minimally invasive
surgery.
Dr. Terry Peters testing the
virtual reality system with
colleague Dr. Gerard Guiraudon
Cell Biology / vascular biology
Bayer Boosts Vascular Research
Steve Martin
2007 marked the establishment of the Bayer
Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Robarts.
Led by Deputy Scientific Director Dr. Ross Feldman,
this newly-funded laboratory is a testament to
Robarts’ longstanding partnership with Bayer.
Robarts’ Founding Scientific Director, Dr. Henry Barnett, made the
groundbreaking discovery that ASPIRIN® functions as a preventive
therapy for cardiovascular disease – one of the most important
developments in 20th century medicine.
Dr. Ross Feldman and Bayer President and CEO Phil Blake
vascular biology
biotherapeutics / imaging
Prestigious
Research Award
Improving Cancer Vaccines
Endocrinologist Dr. Robert Hegele has
received the Jean Davignon Distinguished
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Award
from Pfizer Canada. His study of genomic
variation in dyslipidemia and metabolic
disease forges a strong link between fundamental research and
clinical applications – a link often described as ”translational
medicine”.
A multidisciplinary team of Robarts scientists has begun a program
to improve the delivery of a new generation of cancer vaccines that
use specialized white blood cells called dendritic cells.
Molecular biologist Dr. Greg Dekaban, immunologist Dr. Peta
O’Connell, and biophysicist Dr. Paula Foster are using novel
magnetic resonance imaging techniques to track the injected vaccine
cells in real-time.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Susan Bradnam, Sun Media Corp.
›› Cover
The Innovator
innovations
The
coming out of his lab
not only have the potential to
save thousands of lives –
they also deliver great value to the bottom line.
That’s a story no health care funder can ignore.
10
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
r
W
hen Robarts’ Imaging Research
Laboratories first opened – even
before the office furniture arrived –
Dr. Aaron Fenster made certain the
facility had a fully-equipped machine
shop so its scientists could fabricate
components of their inventions
immediately on-site, rather than
ordering them from an outside source.
That’s how focused Dr. Fenster and
his team have been on getting their
innovative 3-D ultrasound imaging
technologies conceived, built, tested,
and to market – and thus, to patients
– as quickly as possible.
Delivering Medical
Advances to the World
Using inexpensive ultrasound
components, computer equipment,
software, and ingenuity, Dr. Fenster and
his team have devised several systems
which are improving the diagnosis and
management of rectal and prostate
cancers and carotid artery disease. They
have generated a mind-boggling 25
patents and two spin-off companies, as
well as licensing agreements with nine
different companies.
“Our core technology has been
licensed to companies for various
applications that are being sold
worldwide,” explains Dr. Fenster.
“For example, a Canadian company is
using one of the components of our
technology to accurately target the
prostate with high-energy x-ray beams
to treat prostate cancer.”
This record has made Dr. Fenster
something of an icon of scientific
innovation, bringing him honours
such as the Premier’s Discovery Award
in “Innovation Leadership”, which
›› 30% of men whose first biopsy is negative are
later confirmed as having prostate cancer.
he received from Ontario Premier and
Minister of Research and Innovation
Dalton McGuinty in April 2007. It’s
also one of the reasons the Ontario
Institute for Cancer Research recently
chose Dr. Fenster to lead their Imaging
Platform as part of its “One Millimetre
Challenge” – a strategy to rapidly bring
novel diagnostic techniques from the
lab to the patient, so more cancers will
be detected before they spread.
Improving Cancer
Biopsy
One need not look far to see why
Dr. Fenster is uniquely qualified to
lead the Imaging Platform. For starters,
he and his team have developed a
new system for sampling prostate
tissue in the search for cancer cells – a
system which represents a significant
advancement over existing technology.
A sizeable percentage of the tens of
thousands of Canadian men who
undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
blood testing to screen for prostate
cancer each year require a follow-up
biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, since
elevated PSA levels don’t invariably
signal cancer.
A biopsy is a procedure in which a
urologist uses a needle to collect small
tissue samples. The problem with
the current biopsy procedure is that,
when cancers are in the earliest, most
treatable stages, tumours are small and
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
11
easy to miss: approximately 30% of
men whose first biopsy is negative are
later confirmed as having the disease.
That means men with elevated PSA
levels may undergo two or even three
uncomfortable biopsies over the course
of many months, while living with
troubling uncertainty.
“When you have “The Big C” on your
mind but you have to wait another six
months for a procedure, living with
that unknown is miserable,” observes
Dr. Fenster, who has watched friends go
through the experience.
To further complicate matters,
existing biopsy techniques can’t
pinpoint the exact location from
which a sample was taken, so doctors
are unable to resample an area where
suspicious-looking cells were found
– or avoid sites where the presence of
tumour cells has already been ruled
out. Dr. Fenster and his colleagues have
come to the rescue with a device that
allows the radiologist or urologist to see
both the biopsy needle and the prostate
in three dimensions and record the
location where each sample was taken.
Advancing Cancer
Treatment
Another product of the team’s labours
– a 3-D ultrasound-guided system for
minimally invasive prostate cancer
treatment – is helping prostate cancer
patients avoid radical surgery and the
Leader in
Commercialization
Since establishing Robarts’
Imaging Research Laboratories
nearly 20 years ago, Dr. Fenster
has translated medical imaging
technologies into practical
health care applications at
a mind-boggling pace. His
commercialization successes to
date include:
››25 Patents
››9 Licensing Agreements
››2 Spin-off Companies
Definition
PSA – prostate-specific antigen –
is a protein produced by the cells
of the prostate gland. Elevated
levels of the protein often indicate
the presence of cancer.
impotence and incontinence that often
accompany it.
While methods of selectively
destroying cancerous prostate tissue do
exist, these techniques pose multiple
challenges. For example, a procedure
called prostate brachytherapy (which
involves using hollow needles to
place tiny radioactive seeds inside
the gland) requires three separate
imaging procedures spread over as
many visits: the first to plan the
dosages and placement of the seeds; a
second to insert the seeds; and a third
to check their positioning and plan
additional treatment if needed. Further
complicating matters, the volume of
the prostate can change by as much as
50% during the two weeks that typically
elapse between planning and placement
of the seeds. Also, the prostate can
shift position in the body during
implantation, since insertion of the
needles often causes the gland to swell.
The new system designed by
Dr. Fenster and his team overcomes
these limitations, making it possible to
perform all three steps during a single
visit. “It creates a three-dimensional
image of the prostate within seven
seconds, and plans the procedure
within a few more seconds,” notes Dr.
Fenster. The device then guides the
needles into place and automatically
checks their placement. This gives the
physician an opportunity to correct any
positioning problems – something that
previously wasn’t possible. Needless to
say, telescoping the procedure into one
session saves time and money, not to
mention emotional wear and tear on
the patient. (Dr. Fenster and his team
are also applying the core technology
12
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
›› ...telescoping the
procedure into one
session saves time
and money...
to both biopsy and brachytherapy for
breast cancer.)
Outside the cancer arena, Dr. Fenster’s
team has developed a system that
creates 3-D ultrasound images of plaque
build-up inside the carotid artery
feeding the brain. This technology,
which is currently in the process of
being commercialized, offers physicians
a tool for monitoring plaque progression
and regression. And, because it’s noninvasive and relatively inexpensive,
the imaging procedure can be repeated
to keep tabs on plaque size – enabling
clinicians to determine whether or not
a given medication is reversing blood
vessel disease and decide if additional
intervention is needed.
Regardless of the application – to
prostate cancer, breast cancer, or
atherosclerosis – the innovations
coming out of Dr. Fenster’s laboratory
not only have the potential to save
thousands of lives but also add great
value to the bottom line. Considering
the 11 million Americans currently
taking cholesterol-reducing statin
medications, the health care savings
would be enormous if only a small
percentage of those patients underwent
3-D carotid imaging to ensure the drugs
are having the desired effect.
Making Drug
Development Safer
In September 2006, something
happened that sent a chill through
the world’s scientific and medical
communities.
In the UK, during the first human
tests of an experimental drug that
infection and cancer – once they’re
activated,” explains Dr. Madrenas,
who is Head of Immunology at Robarts
and a Canada Research Chair in
Transplantation and Immunobiology at
The University of Western Ontario.
“They developed the world’s only human-T-cellbased system for predicting the side effects of new
drugs.”
had already passed safety checks in
animals, six volunteers who were given
a single dose fell deathly ill. The drug,
a member of the “biologic” family of
medications that rev up or slow down
the immune system, had unexpectedly
caused certain white blood cells
to release large amounts of potent
inflammatory molecules, causing the
subjects’ lungs, livers, kidneys, and
immune systems to begin failing.
Thankfully, all six men survived.
Nightmare scenarios like this one
not only imperil lives, but they also
consume resources that could have
been spent investigating other, safer
therapies, had researchers only been
able to predict the drug’s dangerous
side-effects in humans. Dr. Joaquin
Madrenas and his team of investigators
have come up with a system that can
do just that, at least for medications
that act on one important immune
system molecule.
“CTLA-4 is expressed on
T lymphocytes – the ‘brains’ of the
immune system that protects us from
Ten years ago, the only thing
scientists knew about the molecule was
that it must play an important role
in immune system functioning: since
T-cells are the “generals” of the body’s
defending army, CTLA-4 was likely a
messenger that conveyed orders to the
troops to stay quiet. Motivated only
by their desire to better understand
diseases in which the immune system
either runs amok (rheumatoid arthritis,
for instance) or ignores potentially
deadly cells (cancer, for example),
Dr. Madrenas and his team set out to
determine exactly what CTLA-4 does. In
their quest, they developed the world’s
only human T-cell-based system for
studying the workings of CTLA-4.
Meanwhile, scientists elsewhere
had discovered a drug that ultimately
became one of the groundbreaking new
treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
– allowing previously bedridden
patients to lead normal lives. It turns
out this particular treatment works by
using a segment of CTLA-4. “This drug
uses a piece of CTLA-4 to block the
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
13
activation of those T-cells in conditions
where we don’t want those cells to be
active,” says Dr. Madrenas. In essence,
the drug intercepts the chemical
command that would otherwise prompt
volleys of friendly fire that destroy
healthy cartilage.
Now, the giant pharmaceutical
company that owns the rights to this
drug is on the look-out for the next
generation of such medications – and
they’ve come to Dr. Madrenas for help.
“This company has millions of
compounds and some of the
compounds might be multi-million
dollar winners, but they don’t know
how to find them and they don’t know
how to avoid the unexpected side
effects,” he notes. Not only will
Dr. Madrenas’ system zero in on
promising candidates, but because it
employs human T-cells, his system
should also sift out those compounds
with undesirable immune effects.
In this image, an antigen-presenting cell (left) prompts CTLA-4
(red) to “turn off” the T-cell on the right
internal
connections
Robarts unites a wide range of researchers under one roof and
encourages them to develop innovative research programs. From
physicians and physicists to biologists and biomedical engineers,
Robarts investigators collaborate to develop new ways of detecting
and treating disease.
Rebuilding Tissue
Led by cardiologist Dr. Geoffrey Pickering, the Regenerative
Medicine group includes developmental biologist Dr. Arthur
Brown; cell biologist Dr. Sean Cregan; vascular and stem cell
biologist Dr. David Hess; and cell biologist Dr. Susan Meakin.
The group studies stem cells and regenerative processes to
repair or regrow diseased and damaged tissues. The focus
is on cardiovascular disease as well as nervous system
disorders such as spinal cord injury and stroke.
Developing Cancer Models
Vascular biologist Dr. David Hess is helping
molecular biologist Dr. Gregory Dekaban develop
immune-compromised mouse models for the study
of cancer vaccines. Using a breast cancer
model, Dr. Dekaban and immunologist Dr. Peta
O’Connell aim to improve the delivery and efficacy
of injected cell-based vaccines.
New Markers for Disease
Molecular pharmacologist Dr. Stephen Ferguson and physicist
Dr. Ravi Menon are identifying cell targets of magnetic
resonance contrast agents in order to track the changes
that occur in early stages of degenerative diseases such as
Huntington’s. Dr. Robert Bartha and Western researcher Dr.
Robert Hudson are designing new contrast agents that will
bind to cell targets in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and
prostate cancer.
Called paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer
(paraCEST) agents, these tools amplify MRI signals to better
detect trace amounts of proteins present in the pre-disease and
early-onset stages.
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Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Robarts Scientists
Henry J. Barnett, MD, FRCPC, FACP –
Scientist Emeritus
Robert Bartha, PhD
Arthur Brown, PhD
Derek Boughner, MD, PhD, FRCP
Ian Cunningham, PhD, FCCPM
Sean Cregan, PhD
Gregory Dekaban, PhD
Terry Delovitch, PhD
John Dupré, MD, FRCP, FRCPC, FACP
Maria Drangova, PhD
Stefan Everling, PhD
Brian Feagan, MD
Ross Feldman, MD, FRCPC, FAC
Aaron Fenster, PhD, FCCPM
Stephen Ferguson, PhD
Paula Foster, PhD
Robert Gros, PhD
Robert Hegele, MD, FRCPC, FACP
David Hess, PhD
David Holdsworth, PhD
Murray Huff, PhD
Ting-Yim Lee, PhD, FCCPM
Joaquin Madrenas, MD, PhD
Susan Meakin, PhD
Ravi Menon, PhD
Peta O’Connell, PhD
Grace Parraga, PhD
Terry Peters, PhD, FCCPM
J. Geoffrey Pickering, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACC
Michael Poulter, PhD
Brian Rutt, PhD, FCCPM
Jane Rylett, PhD
Giles Santyr, PhD
Caroline Schild-Poulter, PhD
David Spence, MD, FRCPC
Michael Strong, MD, FRCPC
Lynne Weaver, DVM, PhD
David White, PhD, FRCPath
Cindy Wong, MSc
GuangYong Zou, PhD
Rethinking Hypertension Treatment
Clinical pharmacologist Dr. Ross Feldman and Clinical Trials
Director Dr. Brian Feagan are analyzing, in family practices across
southern Ontario, the merits of a simplified treatment regime
that employs fixed-dose drug combinations – in comparison to
conventional hypertension treatment.
Considering the five million Canadians currently suffering from
high blood pressure and its role as the number one risk
factor for premature death in Canada, their study could have huge
implications for not only individual patients but also the health
care system in general.
Tracking Cells in vivo
Dr. Paula Foster’s lab is helping researchers track
single cells within the living body using
MRI. Cellular targets include: transplanted islets, as
part of a project with transplant immunologist
Dr. David White; and cancer-fighting dendritic cells,
with Drs. Gregory Dekaban and Peta O’Connell.
Dr. Foster’s tracking method involves marking
individual cells with magnetic (iron-oxide based)
labels and imaging them with a customized clinical
MRI scanner – the type of MRI found in thousands of
hospitals worldwide.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
15
Driving
medical discovery
From shared research
facilities to roundthe-clock security, a
number of support
services drive Robarts’
success.
24/7 security personnel protect the
institute’s intellectual property and
its people with multi-camera video
surveillance and frequent foot patrols.
The molecular imaging facility –
one of the institute’s “Core Facilities”
– provides specialized microscopes
to researchers across London trying
to visualize and quantify specific
molecules within the living cell.
A dedicated Building Services crew
anticipates and resolves building
emergencies while supporting capital
projects large and small – from
the installation of basic scientific
equipment to the renovation of entire
laboratories.
The dedicated Clinical Trials
Research Group coordinates largescale, randomized trials around the
world on behalf of government,
pharmaceutical, and biotech sponsors
– often in collaboration with Robarts
scientists.
Another core imaging facility,
called the Centre for Functional and
Metabolic Mapping, provides stateof-the-art 4 Tesla whole-body and 9.4
Tesla horizontal magnetic resonance
imaging systems for in vivo studies of
brain structure and function in normal
and diseased patients. Researchers
from all over the world use this facility.
Glenn
Lianne
Glenn Jennings
Lianne Dale
Supervisor, Stinson Security
At Robarts Since: 2001
Manager, Confocal Microscopy Core Facility
At Robarts Since: 1998
Why Robarts?
Six years ago, Robarts decided to
hire a security company – Stinson.
Although I wasn’t necessarily looking
for a new placement, I was extremely
impressed by the people I met here. So
I accepted the posting.
Why Robarts?
I did my Master’s in Physiology
and Toxicology at Western – as Dr.
Stephen Ferguson’s first grad student.
Your Role?
Provide security for the people, the
research equipment, the physical
property and, most importantly, the
scientific knowledge contained within
these four walls.
What Impresses You About Robarts?
The people here are hard-working
and have integrity: if they say they’re
going to do something, they do it.
Every Stinson person who’s worked at
Robarts has really enjoyed it.
16
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
Your Role?
In addition to ensuring everything
runs smoothly in Dr. Ferguson’s
lab, I manage the confocal facility.
This involves training and assisting
the more than 100 researchers from
across the city who use our dedicated
research microscopes.
What Impresses You About Robarts?
The dedication. From accountants
and IT staff to grad students and PI’s
(principal investigators), everyone
here goes above and beyond in order
to support the research.
Mike
Laurel
Joe
Mike Williams
Laurel Smith
Joe Gati
Service Mechanic
At Robarts Since: 1993
Clinical Research Associate
At Robarts Since: 2000
Facility Manager, CFMM
At Robarts Since: 1992
Why Robarts?
I believe in the important work
being done here – and there’s great
satisfaction in contributing to it.
Why Robarts?
I encountered Robarts in 1998 when
I was assisting a Quality of Life study
for London Health Sciences Centre;
I enjoyed being involved in clinical
research and so jumped at the chance
to join the institute.
Why Robarts?
I did a fourth-year research project
under imaging scientist Dr. Brian Rutt.
I carried on as one of Brian’s graduate
students for the following three years,
and this position was the next logical
step.
Your Role?
As a CRA I maintain relationships
between the drug sponsors who
commission trials and the clinical
sites that conduct them. I visit sites
as far away as Denver, Phoenix,
and Atlanta to ensure that staff are
properly trained and data is being
collected properly.
Your Role?
I manage the Centre for Functional
and Metabolic Mapping, including
the 9.4 and 4 Tesla MRI scanners.
I oversee the staff running the
equipment and help researchers
develop their studies. Also, I help
design and coordinate major
MRI construction projects such as
the 9.4T small animal scanner and
the new 3T and 7T human systems
(coming Spring/Summer 2008).
Your Role?
The objective of the Building
Services team is to free the hands of
the researcher. I help maintain the
building’s heating, ventilating, and
mechanical systems and also regularly
repair and install scientific equipment
such as freezers, centrifuges, gas tanks,
you name it!
What Impresses You About Robarts?
The scientists all demonstrate
incredible passion for their research,
and I’ve always felt respected for
my ability to help them achieve
their goals.
What Impresses You About Robarts?
It’s easy to get consumed with
the work happening in your own
research area, so I’m always amazed
to hear about the incredible research
happening in other areas of the
institute.
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
17
What Impresses You About Robarts?
The absolute breadth of research
under a single roof. Amazing!
Robarts Governance
Following the July 1st merger with The
University of Western Ontario, Robarts’
Board of Directors voted to dissolve itself,
transferring governance to the University.
Sincere thanks to all Board and Council
members who have supported – and
continue to support – the Robarts mission.
Board of Directors 2006 – 2007
Phil Bowman, Chair
Robert Badun, Vice Chair
Kelly Blair
Keith Bowman
Denis Devos
Joan Francolini
Dr. Carol P. Herbert
Dr. David Hill
Michael A. McDonald
Dr. Mark J. Poznansky
Cecil Rabinovitch
Dr. Cecil Rorabeck
John Schucht
Fred Tomczyk
Lucille Wolf, Ex Officio
The Year in Numbers
1
Key Revenue Figures
2007
2006
$40,388,344
$38,526,926
Donations
1,737,545
2,402,264
Investment Income
1,583,908
944,533
Commercialization Income
2,877,215
2,109,000
Grant Income
Complete financial statements can be viewed at www.robarts.ca
2
Institute Statistics
Number of People Working at Robarts
Building Square Footage Council 2006 – 2007
Dr. Gary Ferguson, Chair
Kirk Baines
Ian Bandeen
Dr. Henry J.M. Barnett C.C.
John Calvert
Michael S. Cloutier
Richard Costley-White
Alice Daniel
The Honourable R. Jeffrey Flinn
Charles Frosst
Gary Goldberg
George Khoury
Mark Krembil
Stacey Krembil
Robert W. Luba
William Manderson
D. Walter McCormick
The Honourable Gordon F. Osbaldeston C.C.
Steve Paikin
Norm Puhl
Dr. Al Rasymas
John D. Richardson
Dr. Donald Rix
Seanna Ross
Rod Skinkle
Dr. Calvin R. Stiller C.M.
Gregg Szabo
George S. Taylor
Barbara Turnbull
Colin D. Walker
Patterson Webster
Lucille Wolf, Past Chair
Will Wood
3
40
Percentage of Principal Investigators
Who are also Clinicians 25
180
Patents Filed 80
Commercial Licenses 18
Spin-off Companies 8
Investment Capital
18
$80 million
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
214,300
Number of Principal Investigators Commercialization Successes to Date
Invention Disclosures 600
Dr. David Spence, director of the
Stroke Prevention and Athlerosclerosis
Research Centre, is working with
researchers in Holland on folic acid
therapy following stroke.
Dr. Terry Peters is collaborating with a scientist
at the Shanghai Jiatong University in China
to develop methods for rapid segmentation
of structures within 3D medical images,
with applications in minimally invasive
approaches to cardiac surgery and
neurosurgery.
In collaboration with researchers in
Jerusalem, cell biologist Dr. Michael Poulter
is employing functional brain imaging
to investigate the electrophysiological
underpinnings of epilepsy.
Medical research is a global industry.
Robarts scientists are in high demand
worldwide, placing Canada at the
forefront of today’s knowledge economy.
The Ripple Effect
Your gift to Robarts helps researchers tackle some of the most debilitating
diseases of our time — from Alzheimer’s and diabetes to heart disease
and stroke. For information about how you can help, please see our
website at www.robarts.ca or email [email protected].
P.O. Box 5015, 100 Perth Drive, London, Ontario N6A 5K8 Phone: 519-663-3158 Fax: 519-663-2992
Robarts Research • 2007/2008
20