McCrorie-West - Past Award Recipients

Past Award Recipients

2018 Chetan Patil - $5,000

Ph.D. Student - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Chetan's research is focussed on studying the contribution and impact of the pannexin channel on Alzheimer Disease. The main objective of his research is to determine the mechanisms through which amyloid oligomers cause pannexin channel opening downstream of NMDAR (a glutamate receptor) stimulation. It has been previously demonstrated that loss of proper pannexin channel function can have devastating impacts in a human patient (Shao et al., 2016), thus stressing its importance. It is hoped that this research will lead to the development of a modality specific peptide which can inhibit the detrimental pannexin channel activation, without impacting its resting or mechanical states. The goal of this research is to find a therapeutic approach aimed at normalizing the function of the pannexin channel in pursuit of a treatment or cure for Alzheimer Disease.

2018 Monika Gupta - $5,000

Ph. D. Student Biochemistry - Department of Chemistry

Monika received the 2018 Renewal Award for her continued research on studying and understanding the interaction between Netrin-1 and APP, which may lead to the design of synthetic compounds that may help improve the health of those with Alzheimer Disease, as described in her 2017 Award background description (below).

2017 Monika Gupta - $3,500

Ph.D. Student Biochemistry - Department of Chemistry

Monika's research is focussed on the structural and functional relationships of Netrin-1 and its receptor. Netrin-1 is a chemotropic guidance cue and helps in guiding migrating neurons during development of the central nervous system. It has been found that amyloid precursor protein (APP) also acts like a receptor or modulator for axon migration during development. The proteolytic cleavage of APP leads to amyloid peptides production and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease in the adult brain. Understanding the potential of Netrin-1 to prevent the cleavage of APP into these peptides from the structural studies may enable the development of analogues or synthetic molecules to prevent this from happening, thus preventing the progression of Alzheimer Disease.

2017 Olayinka Olarewaju - $3,500

Ph.D. Student - Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences

Olayinka received a special one time Award for her research exploring the potential of plant polyphenols as natural and effective Alzheimer Disease treatments. Preliminary in vitro studies have established that extracts of eggplant, fluted pumpkin, and amaranthus leaves, possess strong anti-oxidative power which could suppress oxidative stress known to increase the likelihood of Alzheimer Disease. Further observations have revealed that these extracts also strongly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which is one of the key drivers of cognitive defects in Alzheimer Disease and a target of current drug treatment. Understanding how these extracts reduce the oxidative stress may lead to the use of more natural healthy/functional foods in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer Disease.

2016 Amrit Boese - $3,500

Ph.D. Student - Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Amrit's research involves studying a microRNA, miR-128, which is important in the regulation of communication networks in neurons, and is deregulated in Alheimer Disease (AD) patients in a number of brain tissues including the hippocamus, extracellular fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. The hypothesis is that miR-128 targets glutamate receptor genes in neurons that promote neuronal health and survival, and that miR-128 could ultimately be used as a therapy against AD neurodegenearation. Not only does this miR-128 appear to be a biomarker of AD, but it is also altered in two other neurodegenerative conditions, Huntington's disease and prion disease. It is believed that miR-128 could serve as a treatment for AD as it has the potential to rescue neurons from dying, because miR-128 targets multiple genes. It is believed that these genes in AD, include a framework of dysregulated receptors that could be repaired by miR-128, leading to improved cognitive ability and other vital neuronal functions.

2016 Sheryl Herrera - $3,500

Ph.D. Student - Department of Medical Physics

Sheryl received the 2016 Renewal Award for her continued research on using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) to identify an early biomarker for Alzheimer Disease as described in her 2015 Award background description (below).

2015 Sheryl Herrera - $3,500

Ph.D. Student - Department of Medical Physics

Sheryl's research is focussed on creating a diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method which will be used to identify an early biomarker for Alzheimer Disease. Understanding how anatomical changes create the biomarker can be found through imaging various transgenic mouse models and then comparing them with factors that affect Alzheimer Disease such as protein expressions, specific genetic mutations and signalling pathways. Understanding of how the biomarker responds to treatment can be made by observing the biomarker in vivo using this new MRI method. A better understanding of this biomarker will allow for the development of treatment for animals, with the ultimate goal of developing a treatment for human beings, and with results verified through observations of the biomarker using this new MRI method.

2015 Shengua Zhu - $3,475

Ph.D. Student - Deoartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Shengua received this award a second time, in order to continue his research as outlined under the description for the 2013 Award he received.

2014 Brent Aulston - $3,000

Ph.D. Student - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Brent's research will focus on how the accumulation of a toxic molecule, amyloid beta, in the brain, can be blocked or halted. He will use mouse models, which have been developed through selective breeding, to evaluate the impact of delivering the molecule, secreted APP alpha, directly into the brain, to determine if the brain will stop the production of toxic amyloid beta. By doing so, it is hoped that this treatment will provide protection and improve memory in these test animals, thus providing key results in the search for a cure for Alzheimer Disease.

2013 Shenghua Zhu - $3,000

Ph.D. Student - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Shenghua's research focuses on understanding the roles of astrocytes (the supporting cells), and of the agents that target astrocytes for the impact they may have on the initial pathology of Alzheimer disease. The hypothesis to be studied is that astrocytes determine the aggravation of synaptotoxicity and Alzheimer-like behavioural deficits in transgenic mice models, and that these deficits could be prevented by Fluoxetine treatment. The effect of Fluoxetine treatment on mutant astrocytes (which can damage neurons), will be studied to determine whether it may be applied as a new agent in the treatment of Alzheimer disease and possibly open new avenues for Alzheimer research

2012	Anna Majer - $3,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Medical Microbiology Anna's research is centered on the detection of gene regulators that are pivotal to the neurodegeneration process for the purpose of identifying novel therapies against diseases such as Alzheimer Disease. For her research, Anna has identified numerous neuronal specific regulators, named microRNAs, which function to help neurons survive stressful situations. These stress-inducing environments are typically observed during neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and prion diseases. Anna's research has three objectives; identify deregulated microRNAs in the CA1 hippocampal neurons, test the potential of a select group of microRNAs on neuron survival, and using lab techniques, explore the potential therapeutic benefits. It is the goal of Anna's research to determine how these microRNA molecules may be used as a therapy to help hinder, or even prevent, the neurodegenerative process seen in these diseases. 2011 - No Eligible Recipients
2010	Jillian L. LeMaistre - $3,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Jillian’s research focused on the role played by the body’s regulation of cerebral blood flow through functional hyperemia, which is a regulatory pathway where neuronal activity acts to control energy supply and demand. Her studies included the impact of glutamate, astrocytes, D-serine and NMDA receptors on the auto regulation of cerebral blood flow. Her research has the goal of understanding how these factors affect cerebral blood flow in order to develop new preventative measures or treatments for Alzheimer Disease.
2009	Avid Khamenehfar - $3,000 The award was renewed in the amount of $3,000 so Avid could continue her research into the impact of elevated levels of Creatine deposits which have been detected in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Avid continues her work of mapping previously identified Creatine deposits to determine if other biochemical signatures can be identified within these Creatine deposits.
2008	Avid Khamenehfar - $3,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Chemistry Avid’s research focused on mapping Creatine deposits in the hippocampus, caudate and cortex areas of the brain. This involved the use of transgenic mice models to prepare serial section studies using the Renishaw Invia Raman microscope. From studies of these transgenic mice models, Avid would complete mapping of previously identified Creatine deposits. This would determine whether any other biochemical signatures can be identified as being localized within the Creatine deposits. In previous research with mice models, it has been illustrated that lack of two key brain isozymes have severely impacted spatial learning and also reduced body weight. Avid’s research further explored the role that the lack of these isozymes play in the development of Alzheimer Disease.
2007	No Eligible Recipients
2006	No Eligible Recipients
2005	No Eligible Recipients
2004	Kelly James - $3,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Chemistry Kelly’s research focus looked at neurite outgrowth in cell cultures using a genetically altered rodent model to further confirm what other researchers have observed, giving a baseline to begin with and to compare results. Blocking production of APP (amyloid precursor protein) and production of A-beta (amyloid beta) separately, with inhibitors, to determine which protein is the key to enhancing neurite outgrowth in her model, potentially providing valuable information as to the direction the project would take, and as well, perhaps provide a crucial piece in the Alzheimer Disease puzzle.
2003	Margaret Rak - $3,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Chemistry Margaret’s research focus was the application of several spectroscopic methods to the imaging of pathological changes in Alzheimer Disease in human autopsy tissue and in animal models of the disease. Her work aimed at developing guidelines for following the disease at a molecular level. Infrared and Raman microspectroscopy provide the ability to image multiple components in unprocessed tissue in a very sensitive, semi-quantitative manner. The power of these techniques is greatly increased when combined with statistical and mathematical methods of data analysis and reduction, known as chemometrics. The use of spectral imaging methods applied to a tissue allow plaques and other pathological changes to be studied.
2002	No Eligible Recipients
2001	Julie Fotheringham - $2,500 The award was renewed in the amount of $2,500 so Julie could continue her work studying the effects of inflammation of the brain caused by Alzheimer Disease and the impact of the regulation of calcium in the brain of people with the disease.
2000	Julie Fotheringham - $1,000 Ph.D. Student - Department of Pharmacology There were two main streams to her research – first focusing on inflammation of the brain caused by Alzheimer Disease. The neurons in the brain of a person with Alzheimer Disease develop plaques and tangles. The brain works to combat these plaques in the same way it would fight any foreign substance introduced into the body – it becomes inflamed. Initially this is a good thing, but because it can’t get rid of the plaques, the brain goes into a chronic state of inflammation. It is believed that this inflammation contributes to the death of brain cells. Julie studied cultured cells to watch specific proteins in the brain, which are produced as a result of the inflammation. She wanted to know how each protein was produced, what it does to the brain and how it contributes to cell death. The goal was to find ways of decreasing the protein, and watch for any resulting effects. The other major part of her studies dealt with calcium and how it is regulated in the brain of people with Alzheimer Disease. Specifically, looking at places that calcium is stored. It is believed that improper regulation of calcium is another cause that contributes to the death of brain cells.