The focus of our research is to discover pathogenic mutations leading to the onset of multiple sclerosis in multi-incident families, and the identification of genetic modifiers of disease course and severity. We envision the identification of functionally relevant genetic determinants in multiple sclerosis to define the molecular etiology of disease, provide an immediate means for accurate risk evaluation and early disease diagnosis, reveal novel targets and biomarkers for therapeutic intervention...
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the Spring 2017 Seed Grants. These grants are designed to support novel research projects proposed by ICORD Principal Investigators and Investigators, and are made possible with the support of the Rick Hansen Foundation, ICORD and the BICP. These projects were funded in the Spring 2017 Seed Grant competition:
“Think of a multiple sclerosis lesion as the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Alex Rauscher. “It’s not just what’s happening inside the lesion that we need to think about – what happens in the surrounding tissue affects the brain as well.” By using advanced, highly-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, Dr. Rauscher and his team are hoping to better…
In one of the most comprehensive studies to date, UBC researchers have identified potential adverse reactions of a commonly used multiple sclerosis drug. The study aimed to identify potential adverse events related to beta-interferon treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by analyzing health records of over 2,000 British Columbians with multiple sclerosis between 1995 and 2008. “Once a drug is released…
Read the Publication Vancouver, BC – Cultivated sunflowers are one of the five largest oilseed crops in the world and until now sunflower is the last of these crops to have its genome fully sequenced. This genome represents a cornerstone of future work to improve genetic diversity and utilize the sunflower’s stress resistance and ability to grow across different climates.…
Researchers investigating genetically predisposed or at-risk individuals and their families affected by early onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), have received an additional $400K in funding from Genome BC and the Providence Health Care Research Institute (PCHRI) to continue this important work. The study, called SAVE BC (Study to Avoid cardioVascular Events in British Columbia) is aimed at identifying and closely observing…
MSFHR has announced 11 award recipients for its inaugural Health Professional-Investigator Program. These exceptional health professionals will receive funding to support research focused on answering questions derived from their practical experience and clinical expertise. The MSFHR Health Professional-Investigator Program is designed to develop BC’s research talent and help decrease the gap between health research and its implementation. The awards support…
Vancouver virtual life sciences company Novelogics Biotechnology Inc. has partnered with the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) to work on an innovative cancer treatment. Novelogics, which focuses on using the immune system to eliminate tumours in ways that have fewer side effects than traditional methods, has developed a technology that involves the discovery and development of antibodies that…
My laboratory is focused on the creation and application of computational software and methods for the analysis of human genome sequences. In particular we increasingly focus on the analysis of non-coding genetic alterations that alter gene expression, and apply our methods to the identification of disease-causing variations for oediatric rare disease (for patients at BC Children's Hospital and around the world).
Faculty of Medicine scientists have uncovered seven new subtypes of ovarian cancer, which could result in new treatment strategies for some ovarian cancer patients including those that do not respond well to chemotherapy. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed the genetic information of more than 100 ovarian cancer patients in order to identify abnormalities in the DNA of ovarian cancer…
