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Reminder: MNN Visiting Speaker - Friday Dec 11 @ **3pm - Theatre C Dr. Yu Tian Wang
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 08 Dec '15

08 Dec '15

Everyone is invited to attend.... Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar & Visiting Speaker Series Friday, December 11th, 2015 | 3:00 p.m. Yu Tian Wang <http://www.neuroscience.ubc.ca/people/Wang> Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology Chair in Stroke Research University of British Columbia TOPIC: Peptide-based research tools and therapeutics in the post-genome era Location: Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus Research Focus: I have a long-standing research interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the function and intracellular trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors critical for brain functions such as learning, memory and cognition, and investigating the manner by which these mechanisms may be altered in central nervous disease processes. My goal is to be able to treat central nervous disorders such as stroke, drug addiction, and schizophrenia by designing new therapeutics that specifically target these receptors and their pathways. With particular relevance to this project, we have made a significant impact on stroke research. We discovered that NMDA receptor NR2A and NR2B subunits have respective roles in promoting cell survival and cell death (J. Neurosci. 27:2846, 2007). We have characterized the molecular steps downstream of the NR2B death pathway, and also developed several specific inhibitors to disrupt this pathway and demonstrated their therapeutic potentials in reducing brain damage following stroke (Science 298:846, 2002; JBC 279:41267, 2004; Nature Med. 15:1399, 2009; J. Neurosci. 33:7997, 2013). To translate these basic scientific discoveries into potential therapeutics for brain dysfunctions, I founded, along with five other scientists/clinicians, the NoNO Inc. in Toronto that has recently completed a successful phase 2 clinical trial, demonstrating for the first time a clinically effective neuroprotectant NA-1 (Tat-NR2B9c) in reducing ischemic brain damage (Lancet Neurol 11:942, 2012). Our research expertise spans functionally characterizing synaptic plasticity, biochemically mapping protein-protein interaction sites, and designing specific peptides for use in models of CNS disorders. Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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Recall: Reminder: Friday - Dec 4th 9am - MNN Speaker - Dr. Chris Proschel
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 01 Dec '15

01 Dec '15

Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience would like to recall the message, "Reminder: Friday - Dec 4th 9am - MNN Speaker - Dr. Chris Proschel".

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Reminder: Friday - Dec 4th **12noon** - MNN Speaker - Dr. Chris Proschel
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 01 Dec '15

01 Dec '15

Please note lecture starts at 12noon. Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar & Visiting Speaker Series Friday, December 4th, 2015 | 12:00 Noon Christoph J.W. Pröschel <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/proschel-lab/> Associate Professor of Genetics University of Rochester Medical Center, Department for Biomedical Genetics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute Pathways of Human Disease Program TOPIC: Glial cell therapy: the opportunity for restoring function by restoring tissue homeostasis. Location: Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus Within the context of our work on glial progenitor cells, we are now focusing on the role of astrocytes as critical modulators in response to injury or stress. The importance of understanding this process is emphasized by our discovery that the generation of mature astrocytes may be impaired in Vanishing White Matter leukodystrophy (Nat Med. 2005 Mar;11(3):277-83.). The ability to study astrocyte development in normal and pathological conditions, provides a unique opportunity to test the utility of glial precursor cells and their astrocytic progeny for cell transplantation therapy in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as traumatic injury (spinal cord and traumatic brain injury) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinsons Disease, Multiple sclerosis). We have identified distinct astrocyte populations that demonstrate different functional properties with respect to their ability to promote injury repair upon transplantation into the injured nervous system. While one type shows little benefit and may even cause neuropathic pain syndrome, the other remodels the injured host tissue, enables axon outgrowth and extensive functional recovery (J Biol 2006 Apr 27, 5(3):7; J Biol 2008 Sep 19;7(7):245). As a prerequisite for the transition to the clinic we are analyzing the factors secreted by these astrocytes and have now derived homologous astrocyte populations from human precursor cells. (PLoS One. 2011 Mar 2;6(3)). For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca

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Reminder: Friday - Dec 4th 9am - MNN Speaker - Dr. Chris Proschel
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 01 Dec '15

01 Dec '15

Everyone is invited... Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar & Visiting Speaker Series Friday, December 4th, 2015 | 12:00 Noon Christoph J.W. Pröschel <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/proschel-lab/> Associate Professor of Genetics University of Rochester Medical Center, Department for Biomedical Genetics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute Pathways of Human Disease Program TOPIC: Glial cell therapy: the opportunity for restoring function by restoring tissue homeostasis. Location: Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus Within the context of our work on glial progenitor cells, we are now focusing on the role of astrocytes as critical modulators in response to injury or stress. The importance of understanding this process is emphasized by our discovery that the generation of mature astrocytes may be impaired in Vanishing White Matter leukodystrophy (Nat Med. 2005 Mar;11(3):277-83.). The ability to study astrocyte development in normal and pathological conditions, provides a unique opportunity to test the utility of glial precursor cells and their astrocytic progeny for cell transplantation therapy in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as traumatic injury (spinal cord and traumatic brain injury) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinsons Disease, Multiple sclerosis). We have identified distinct astrocyte populations that demonstrate different functional properties with respect to their ability to promote injury repair upon transplantation into the injured nervous system. While one type shows little benefit and may even cause neuropathic pain syndrome, the other remodels the injured host tissue, enables axon outgrowth and extensive functional recovery (J Biol 2006 Apr 27, 5(3):7; J Biol 2008 Sep 19;7(7):245). As a prerequisite for the transition to the clinic we are analyzing the factors secreted by these astrocytes and have now derived homologous astrocyte populations from human precursor cells. (PLoS One. 2011 Mar 2;6(3)). For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca

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MNN Visiting Speaker - Dec 11 @ 3pm - Theatre C Dr. Yu Tian Wang
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 27 Nov '15

27 Nov '15

Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar & Visiting Speaker Series Friday, December 11th, 2015 | 3:00 p.m. Yu Tian Wang <http://www.neuroscience.ubc.ca/people/Wang> Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology Chair in Stroke Research University of British Columbia TOPIC: Peptide-based research tools and therapeutics in the post-genome era Location: Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus Research Focus: I have a long-standing research interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the function and intracellular trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors critical for brain functions such as learning, memory and cognition, and investigating the manner by which these mechanisms may be altered in central nervous disease processes. My goal is to be able to treat central nervous disorders such as stroke, drug addiction, and schizophrenia by designing new therapeutics that specifically target these receptors and their pathways. With particular relevance to this project, we have made a significant impact on stroke research. We discovered that NMDA receptor NR2A and NR2B subunits have respective roles in promoting cell survival and cell death (J. Neurosci. 27:2846, 2007). We have characterized the molecular steps downstream of the NR2B death pathway, and also developed several specific inhibitors to disrupt this pathway and demonstrated their therapeutic potentials in reducing brain damage following stroke (Science 298:846, 2002; JBC 279:41267, 2004; Nature Med. 15:1399, 2009; J. Neurosci. 33:7997, 2013). To translate these basic scientific discoveries into potential therapeutics for brain dysfunctions, I founded, along with five other scientists/clinicians, the NoNO Inc. in Toronto that has recently completed a successful phase 2 clinical trial, demonstrating for the first time a clinically effective neuroprotectant NA-1 (Tat-NR2B9c) in reducing ischemic brain damage (Lancet Neurol 11:942, 2012). Our research expertise spans functionally characterizing synaptic plasticity, biochemically mapping protein-protein interaction sites, and designing specific peptides for use in models of CNS disorders. Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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Reminder: MNN Seminar Friday Nov 27th @ 9am - Saeid Ghavami
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 25 Nov '15

25 Nov '15

Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar/Visiting Speaker Series Friday, November 27th, 2015 | 9:00 am SAEID GHAVAMI <http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/anatomy/8827.h…> Assistant Professor - Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba TOPIC: “Targeting Mevalonate Cascade: A New Advancement in Glioblastoma Therapeutic Approach?” Location: PX236/238 PsychHealth Bldg. In past 10 years, my research has been focused on developing new therapeutic approaches in lung cancer, cardiopulmonary diseases, and infection disease based on modification of apoptosis, autophagy, and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. My long-term research plan will be built based on the following major topics: Role of Autophagy and UPR in Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF-1)-induced Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Lung Cancer Model: In the first step autophagy and UPR will be modulated in breast cancer cell lines (chemical inhibitors and targeting ATG genes and UPR related genes with shRNA) and TGF-1-induced EMT will be investigated. The cross talk between EMT related transcription factors and UPR related transcription factors would be also investigated. In the second phase, lung cancer animal model will be used and UPR/Autophagy pathway would be specifically targeted using nanoparticle packed autophagy/UPR inhibitors and EMT/metastasis will be investigated in presence of different inhibitors. Our long-term goal in this project will be decreasing metastasis in lung cancer using novel strategies by targeting autophagy/UPR pathways. Targeting Mevalonate Cascade as New Approach for Breast Cancer Therapeutic Strategies: Mevalonate cascade is an essential pathway in many living organisms, which is responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis while also, provides prenyl functional groups for protein prenylation. Both cholesterol and prenylated proteins are recently identified as important targets in many cancers. My group will investigate the functions of mevaloante cascade in different breast cancer. We will focus on application of different statins (HMGCoA inhibitors), geranylgeranyl transferase, and farensyl transferase inhibitors as new tools to target breast cancer. Our research will be focused on the effects of these inhibitors on apoptosis/autophagy/UPR in breast cancer model. We will use both in vitro and in vivo model for our investigation. Modulation of Influenza Virus Replication by Targeting Apoptosis/Autophagy/UPR: Influenza viruses are common pathogens of the upper respiratory tract and a substantial disease burden worldwide. It has been reported that seasonal epidemics influence about 15% of the world’s population and could cause a significant morbidity and mortality. In the recent years immunization strategies have been developed against influenza viruses infection and is considered as of one the most effective way to protect against the infection, but the vaccine’s effectiveness is mainly depends on the match with the prevalent viral strain(s) in a given year. There are also reports of increasing numbers of drug resistant flu strains further highlights a need to identify new anti-influenza strategies. I have recently initiated a preliminary investigation about the role of cell death pathway in influenza virus replication (H1N1). Now I want to continue this line of research and investigate the possibility of the suppressing influenza virus replication by modulation apoptosis/autophagy, or autophagy/ER-stress cross talk and hopefully could provide a new therapeutic strategy for influenza virus infections. For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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**Rescheduled Lecture** of MNN Speaker - Dr. Chris Proschel
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar & Visiting Speaker Series Friday, December 4th, 2015 | 12:00 Noon Christoph J.W. Pröschel <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/proschel-lab/> Associate Professor of Genetics University of Rochester Medical Center, Department for Biomedical Genetics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute Pathways of Human Disease Program TOPIC: Glial cell therapy: the opportunity for restoring function by restoring tissue homeostasis. Location: Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus Within the context of our work on glial progenitor cells, we are now focusing on the role of astrocytes as critical modulators in response to injury or stress. The importance of understanding this process is emphasized by our discovery that the generation of mature astrocytes may be impaired in Vanishing White Matter leukodystrophy (Nat Med. 2005 Mar;11(3):277-83.). The ability to study astrocyte development in normal and pathological conditions, provides a unique opportunity to test the utility of glial precursor cells and their astrocytic progeny for cell transplantation therapy in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as traumatic injury (spinal cord and traumatic brain injury) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinsons Disease, Multiple sclerosis). We have identified distinct astrocyte populations that demonstrate different functional properties with respect to their ability to promote injury repair upon transplantation into the injured nervous system. While one type shows little benefit and may even cause neuropathic pain syndrome, the other remodels the injured host tissue, enables axon outgrowth and extensive functional recovery (J Biol 2006 Apr 27, 5(3):7; J Biol 2008 Sep 19;7(7):245). As a prerequisite for the transition to the clinic we are analyzing the factors secreted by these astrocytes and have now derived homologous astrocyte populations from human precursor cells. (PLoS One. 2011 Mar 2;6(3)). For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Administrative Manager Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders St. Boniface Hospital Research & Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA Tel: 204.235.3939 | Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR Kelly.Jorundson(a)umanitoba.ca Website: www.sbrc.ca/dnd OR www.umanitoba.ca/medicine/units/pharmacology

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(no subject)
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Manitoba Neuroscience Network 2015/2016 Seminar/Visiting Speaker Series*** Friday, November 27th, 2015| 9:00 am SAEID GHAVAMI <http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/anatomy/8827.h…> Assistant Professor - Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba TOPIC: “Targeting Mevalonate Cascade: A New Advancement in Glioblastoma Therapeutic Approach?” Location: PX236/238 PsychHealth Bldg. In past 10 years, my research has been focused on developing new therapeutic approaches in lung cancer, cardiopulmonary diseases, and infection disease based on modification of apoptosis, autophagy, and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. My long-term research plan will be built based on the following major topics: Role of Autophagy and UPR in Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF-1)-induced Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Lung Cancer Model: In the first step autophagy and UPR will be modulated in breast cancer cell lines (chemical inhibitors and targeting ATG genes and UPR related genes with shRNA) and TGF-1-induced EMT will be investigated. The cross talk between EMT related transcription factors and UPR related transcription factors would be also investigated. In the second phase, lung cancer animal model will be used and UPR/Autophagy pathway would be specifically targeted using nanoparticle packed autophagy/UPR inhibitors and EMT/metastasis will be investigated in presence of different inhibitors. Our long-term goal in this project will be decreasing metastasis in lung cancer using novel strategies by targeting autophagy/UPR pathways. Targeting Mevalonate Cascade as New Approach for Breast Cancer Therapeutic Strategies: Mevalonate cascade is an essential pathway in many living organisms, which is responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis while also, provides prenyl functional groups for protein prenylation. Both cholesterol and prenylated proteins are recently identified as important targets in many cancers. My group will investigate the functions of mevaloante cascade in different breast cancer. We will focus on application of different statins (HMGCoA inhibitors), geranylgeranyl transferase, and farensyl transferase inhibitors as new tools to target breast cancer. Our research will be focused on the effects of these inhibitors on apoptosis/autophagy/UPR in breast cancer model. We will use both in vitro and in vivo model for our investigation. Modulation of Influenza Virus Replication by Targeting Apoptosis/Autophagy/UPR: Influenza viruses are common pathogens of the upper respiratory tract and a substantial disease burden worldwide. It has been reported that seasonal epidemics influence about 15% of the world’s population and could cause a significant morbidity and mortality. In the recent years immunization strategies have been developed against influenza viruses infection and is considered as of one the most effective way to protect against the infection, but the vaccine’s effectiveness is mainly depends on the match with the prevalent viral strain(s) in a given year. There are also reports of increasing numbers of drug resistant flu strains further highlights a need to identify new anti-influenza strategies. I have recently initiated a preliminary investigation about the role of cell death pathway in influenza virus replication (H1N1). Now I want to continue this line of research and investigate the possibility of the suppressing influenza virus replication by modulation apoptosis/autophagy, or autophagy/ER-stress cross talk and hopefully could provide a new therapeutic strategy for influenza virus infections. For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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MNN Visiting Speaker - Nov 20 - Dr. Chris Proschel
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Dear all, Just a note that Dr. Proschel's lecture on Friday, Nov 20th has been cancelled. Regards, Kelly Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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Cafe Scientifique - Mon Nov 16/2015 Alzheimer's Disease - Can you Avoid It?
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

Everyone is invited! UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA PRESENTS... CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE 2015-2016 ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - CAN YOU AVOID IT? DATE/TIME: November 16, 2015 - 7 p.m. PLACE: McNally Robinson Booksellers, 1120 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg There are approx. 19,000 Manitobans over the age of 65 who have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia: this is expected to grow to over 34,000 by 2038. What is the latest research on Alzheimer's disease telling us about the disease? Can it be avoided? If so, how? Join our expert panel for an informative discussion. Moderator: Wendy Schettler CEO, Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba Panelists: Dr. Benedict Albensi Associate Professor, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and Manitoba Dementia Research Chair; Principal Investigator, Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St-Boniface Hospital Research; Everett Endowment Fund Chair Dr. Colleen Millikin Geriatric Clinical Psychologist, Deer Lodge Centre; Director, Early Cognitive Change Clinic for Older Adults, St. Boniface Hospital; Clinical Health Psychology Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority; Assistant Professor, Clinical Health Psychology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Dr. Zahra Moussavi Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Professor, Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences; Director, Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Manitoba; Research Affiliate, Riverview Health Centre and Centre on Aging. VIEW ONLINE: http://umanitoba.ca/research/cafescientifique/avoiding_alzheimers.html Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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