NRC-GHI Announces Phase III Research Programs

2005-05-10

The NRC Genomics and Health Initiative has now completed the selection of Phase III research programs, scheduled to be conducted from April 2005-2008.  Following a highly successful competitive process a total of six programs were selected based on: quality of research, integration of technology and research disciplines, and the ability to drive commercially relevant advances in cutting edge areas of genome and health sciences. 

Programs selected for GHI Phase III are a clear reflection of changing needs and emerging issues in Canada’s effort to understand and apply knowledge in the life-sciences.  NRC-GHI is proud to announce that in addition to four continuing research programs, this next phase will include two new areas of study, as well as increased collaboration and participation from additional NRC institutes.

NRC-GHI Phase III research programs are as follows:

Kinase Signaling Networks
Program leader: Mirek Cygler, NRC-BRI
Participating Institutes: NRC-BRI and NRC-SIMS

This continuing program seeks to evaluate protein-protein interactions in cell signaling systems as possible targets for small molecule therapeutics of human diseases.  By testing and evaluating the modulating effects of small molecules or known signal transduction protein complexes, researchers hope to create an alternative to current therapeutic approaches which inhibit essential enzymes.  This program takes advantage of key NRC multidisciplinary strengths to explore drug development potential in a new and complex area of molecular cell biology, with the potential of pioneering a new generation of therapeutics and “personalized medicine” aimed at catching diseases at their root.

Brassica Seed Development
Program leader: Wilf Keller, NRC-PBI
Participating Institutes: NRC-PBI and NRC-BRI

This continuing program proposes to undertake a functional genomic analysis of seed development and metabolic processes, with the goal of improving Brassica seed quality traits.  Using bioinformatics capabilities developed under GHI-II, researchers will integrate gene, protein and metabolite information into a ‘virtual seed’ database.  This functional genomics research should lead to the identification and characterization of new genes and genetic elements that will aide in the development of a prototype germplasm that can be evaluated and eventually integrated into crop breeding programs. As Brassica crops are major contributors to Canada’s economy with an annual economic value of $3B, it is imperative to create higher quality seeds.

Technologies for Pathogen Detection
Program Driver: John Pezacki
Participating Institutes: NRC-SIMS, NRC-IMS, NRC-NINT, NRC-IBS and NRC-IMI

This is a new program that aims to create a new generation of unconventional, highly specific and sensitive platform technologies for sensing a wide range of biologically active molecules.  Combining the expertise of researchers from 5 different NRC institutes, these platform technologies will be used for improved pathogen detection and point of care diagnostics.  The requirement for new labeling and detection platforms is driven by the need to find cost-effective approaches for the analysis of biomolecules on a genomic scale.  The realization of this goal will ultimately reduce the cost of delivery of healthcare in Canada, and improve the quality of life.  In addition, access to cost-effective rapid detection platforms, especially by developing countries, has the potential to significantly reduce the global spread of infectious diseases.

Chronic Cardiovascular Disease
Program Driver: Mike Sowa, NRC-IBD
Participating Institutes: NRC-IBD and NRC-IMI

This new program proposes to develop and integrate new imaging and diagnostic technologies and techniques that will a) allow early and more accurate diagnosis of chronic cardiovascular disease and b) contribute to the successful management of cardiovascular disease.  Broken down into three subprograms, the program also aims to a) increase the speed and efficacy of MRI technology to the point that it can be used more widely for cardiac assessment and the early diagnosis of chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD); b) develop new imaging methods to detect damaged regions of the heart and to better assess response to treatments and c) create software and imaging tools to aid in the planning, guidance and assessment of coronary angioplasty with the goal of optimizing and improving these medical procedures. 

Aquatic Animal Disease Management
Program Driver: Laura Brown, NRC-IMB
Participating Institutes: NRC-IMB and NRC-IBS

The goal of this program is to develop efficient new tools and technologies for vaccine development and vaccine delivery in farmed fish. The necessity of these vaccines stems from the crushing annual costs associated with infectious diseases that continuously plague Canada’s aquaculture industry. This project will build directly on the results of 5 years of intensive research focused on the Aeromonas salmonicida and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) model system, supported through GHI-I and 2 programs.  The program is now poised to develop rationally targeted antigens and delivery systems for vaccine development.  Additionally, researchers will continue to focus on the issue of animal welfare, developing tools to reduce stress in fish, and to diminish dependence on antibiotics and adverse side effects of vaccines.  The positive implications of this program are far-reaching, leading to improved health management tools for fish farming, a reduction in the cost of infectious diseases and, consequently, a more prosperous aquaculture industry.

Personalized Medicine for Cancer
Program Driver: Maureen O’Connor, NRC-BRI
Participating Institutes: NRC-BRI, NRC-IBS, NRC-IBD, NRC-IIT

This program aims to discover gene / protein changes that either cause or provide signatures of cancer, and to use them as targets for therapeutic molecules, and for imaging techniques that detect disease and track the efficacy of therapy.  This research will build upon earlier successes achieved in GHI II, such as the identification of tumor markers and therapeutic targets in brain and breast cancer.  In addition to working with NRC partners, the program will also interact with clinicians, pathologists and private sector companies to translate data into beneficial clinical outcomes.  The overall goal of closely linking molecular therapy with molecular imaging and diagnosis will enable physicians to adapt therapy to a specific patient, thus decreasing incapacities and suffering resulting from inappropriate or delayed diagnosis or treatment.  

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