News & Media

December 1, 2008
Director's Corner - Understanding the Language of Research

This is a long Director's Corner, but I have much to report at the end of 2008.

In preparation for the 5-year review of the MNI by a panel of external expert evaluators, as mandated by McGill University, my office spent weeks gathering data regarding our research accomplishments over the recent past. For the MNI evaluators, we put together a lengthy and detailed report, documenting our research findings, grant portfolios and publication records. The final document, written in the scientific language by which scientists communicate best with each other, was very well received (see link to Report). I also realized even as we were preparing the document that we could "translate" the essence of our discoveries so that our supporters - patients and their families, our donors and other supporters of the Neuro, might also grasp the full breadth of what we have accomplished during the year. It is a record of which I am immensely proud. Our science keeps our clinical efforts at the cutting edge, and our clinical effort focuses and augments our science. This is the philosophic core of the Neuro - it embodies our theoria, poiesis and praxis; as the MNI Review Report states, the Neuro is unique in this respect, we are at the top in terms of global reputation, and we are the "jewel in McGill's crown."

But the language of the laboratory - the jargon that scientists use so as to precisely communicate with each other, puts a wall between us and the public that supports our work.

How often have I been asked, "What is it that you do in your lab? Can I understand it?"

Like any specialty language, our scientific jargon is complex and formidable, but with a little effort, it can be "translated" so that all of us can comprehend the value of what we as neuroscientists study.

Let's take a jargon-rich scientific description of the aetiology of a set of important neurological diseases (Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Diseases, PMD) that affect myelin, the covering membrane of brain nerve fibres. These diseases are genetic in origin, and affect young people around the world:

"Point mutations in exons within the proteolipid protein (plp) gene yield hundreds of amino acid substitutions and gene sequence truncations or deletions that when expressed, generate misfolded proteins. Intracellularly, these proteins cannot be processed correctly by myelinating cells. Most of the mutations occur at positions encoding arginines, lysines, cysteines, tryptophans, aspartic and glutamic acid residues that are critically important, highly conserved structural moieties in the normal PLP polypeptide. The mutated molecules accumulate within intracellular organelles and are shunted into the lysosomal degradation pathway, or may reach the plasma membrane and so become incorporated into the myelin sheath, where they are defective in terms of function, yielding human disease states (PMD)."

Now, the foregoing is a precise exposition of how these mutated proteins exert their detrimental effects. However, the paragraph can also be interpreted in the following manner, which conveys less detailed information, but gets the major point across to a much wider audience:

"Certain genes expressed in brain, like the proteolipid protein gene of myelin, are "hot spots" for mutations that can have serious neurological consequences for humans that inherit these gene defects."

So let's begin with a sample of what we have accomplished at the Neuro in 2008. A full disposition of our progress would occupy many more pages - these are just some highlights. Mostly, these advances have guided us to new questions and new problems to solve - but that is what is great about science - one answer produces a dozen new questions. What follows below is a summary, in concise language, simplified but not simple, of some of the advances we have made in the Neuro laboratories this year.

Amongst other findings, this year we discovered:

...a way to investigate the electrical and metabolic activity of the brain at the same time, that will help in accurately diagnosing certain kinds of epilepsy.

...a new role played by steroids in controlling epileptogenesis.

...that magnetic stimulation of the human visual cortex can improve visual perception.

...that gene mutations in a protein termed Dysferlin (which normally helps repair muscle after exercise), can lead to muscular dystrophy.

...that cells can exhibit serious stress effects, just like people. We have been studying Hsp90 inhibitors - drugs that protect cells in culture when they are stressed in diseases such as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

...key proteins within injured nerve cells that respond to injury and block the ability of these cells to repair themselves.

...that the entry of proteins into nerve cells is controlled by an extremely complex protein machinery which, when damaged, leads to neurological disease.

...an important way that nerve fibres grow out from the nasal passages into the brain.

...that proteins termed netrins direct the migration of brain cells during development, and these proteins also regulate how the nerve fibre covering (myelin) is formed.

...that parkin, a protein responsible for a common familial form of Parkinson’s disease (PD), controls certain normal activities of nerve cells.

...that cancer cells put a "fake" protein on the surface of aggressive tumour cells, that fools the body and allows the tumour to invade and spread.

...five new genes that cause fatal infantile mitochondrial disease, and we are investigating the molecular biology of these disorders.

...that the monkey brain is surprisingly complex, revealing a fresh spin on current thinking on speech development and evolution.

...a powerful technique for quantifying cortical growth and degeneration that has been used extensively in studies on normal development.

...novel mechanisms underlying development of innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic pain.

...some of the links between brain organization and functional activity patterns, and how these factors relate to individual differences in human perceptual and cognitive capacities.

...that there is a tight link between blood vessel and metabolic responses in the healthy human brain.

...that the adhesion molecule CAR promotes nerve fibre outgrowth from developing neurons. However, CAR also inhibits migration of brain (astrocytic) tumour cells. Both these observations have therapeutic implications.

...in an inflammatory environment in brain diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, neural cells become susceptible to injury because certain immune system molecules can "sensitize" neural cells, and make them vulnerable.

...we can begin to elucidate the molecular events that occur in the brain when a memory is formed, and so make new theories about how memories are formed and how their formation can be enhanced.

...there are several different components of memory, and these can be studied by psychological methods coupled with highly sophisticated brain imaging techniques developed at the MNI.

...and developed a series of novel and unique computer-based MRI methods for automatic detection of malformations in brain development, a frequent cause of drug resistant but surgically treatable epilepsy.

...the localization of a protein termed dystrophin in normal muscle, and its absence in muscles of Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients.

...the main hunger signal from the gut, a hormone termed ghrelin, acts on the brain to make food appear more appealing. This work lays the foundation for viewing obesity as a brain disease. Disorders of appetite, including obesity and addiction, are the leading causes of disease and financial cost to society, and they share a similar neural mechanism.

...particular childhood infections are implicated in the development of Multiple Sclerosis in young children.

...that nerve cells will readily form functional connections with carefully engineered artificial matrices, paving the way for tiny prosthetic devices for spinal cord injury patients.

...that we can, with great precision, control how nerve fibres grow in culture. These studies have substantial therapeutic implications.

So, lots of discoveries to follow up on in 2009.

And, finally, I want to wish you all the happiest holidays!

Please send any comments about the Director's Corner to David Colman

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Recent News & Events

MNI’s glowing review
The MNI received outstanding marks in the 2008 External Review, completed by Drs. Mary Filbin (Hunter College), Robert Miller (Case Western Reserve University) and Peter Herscovitch (US National Institutes of Health). After two days of discussions with MNI faculty and staff, and senior administrators at McGill University, the reviewers responded to questions posed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in his initial charge. The review highlighted the Neuro’s achievements attained through the unique integration of research and clinical activities, and the importance of continued strong integration as a critical component of translational research. Recognizing the MNI as an international leader, the reviewers cited the Neuro’s superb record in recruiting new faculty, developing areas of scientific strength, and securing funds through philanthropy, grants and prestigious awards such as the Centre for Commercialization and Research. The report is available online.

Public Awareness Campaign
Locating The Neuro on University Street is easier now thanks to the large "Neuro" banner on the Penfield Pavilion. Thank you to Louis Collins and colleagues in the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre for providing the images used in our public awareness campaign.

Neurologist Michel Aubé: honoured physician and teacher
Michel Aubé was honoured at a recent reception hosted by David Colman and Donatella Tampieri, President of the Council of Physicians. Colleagues and friends toasted Dr. Aubé’s dedication and commitment to the patients and trainees at the Neuro, and acknowledged his invaluable contributions as a superb clinician and teacher.

David Ragsdale, new CIHR University Delegate
David Ragsdale has assumed responsibility as the McGill University delegate to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. In this role, he and 38 colleagues across Canada will link universities and research institutes with CIHR to facilitate the exchange of information about directions and initiatives. We join health researchers across campus in thanking MNI scientist Ken Hastings for serving as delegate for the past 3 years. For more information about the CIHR University Delegates, see website.

Gala of Hope supports the Hélène Pelletier Fellowship in ALS
In 2005, Hélène Pelletier (1961-2008) launched the Gala of Hope after being diagnosed with ALS and in 2006 established The Hélène Pelletier Fellowship in ALS at the MNI. the current fellow is Dr. Maryam Oskoui. Last spring the 3rd annual Gala of Hope was supported by these generous sponsors: Platinum: Astellas Pharma, Marc & Jose Bertrand, Merck Frosst; Gold: Air Canada, Centre Dentaire Beaconsfield, Piscines Spas Hudson; Silver: Alstonvale Development Inc., Claude & Pierrette Konikow, Your Local Journal; and Sanofi Aventis. We thank all those who honour Helene’s mission to advance our understanding of ALS, improve care for patients and train a young physician.

Talecris Clinical Fellow in Neuromuscular Disease
Talecris representatives Mr. Joel Abelson, Vice President, Canada & Intercontinental Commercial Operations, Dr. Mary Hughes, Director, Medical Affairs and Dr. Maria Huber, Scientific Development Manager for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces, recently visited the MNI and had the opportunity to meet Dr. Erin O’Ferrall, the MNI’s Talecris Clinical Fellow in Neuromuscular Disease, and learn about the research she is conducting under the guidance of Drs. George Karpati, Colin Chalk and Michael Sinnreich. Support for research and clinical fellowships are key to developing new expertise, and shaping the face of future patient care and medical advances. We are grateful to Talecris Biotherapeutics for their support and commitment to the Neuro.

My Toolbox Program enters second year
The My Toolbox patient self management program, under the direction of Deborah Radcliffe-Branch, PhD, has had a successful debut in Montreal: 247 people have benefitted from the 6 week course, 27 program leaders and 5 master trainers have been trained and certified The Stanford program materials were translated into French for the first time in the program’s 20+ year history and thanks to private donations the program is expanding in 2009. People who take the course report reduced symptoms and improved coping strategies as well as improved abilities to communicate with health care professionals. The success of the program has been featured in the national media and at health-care conferences. The next workshops will be held in February 2009, for information please visit website.

Faculty & Staff Campaign: Putting our heads together
The Third Annual Faculty and Staff Campaign, “Putting our Heads Together” was launched on October 29. Campaign co-chairs Donatella Tampieri and Bruce Pike, along with more than 100 volunteer canvassers are leading this year’s effort. "Let's put our Heads Together!" and show the community our spirit of giving and dedication to The Neuro. To make your donation or for more information, please contact Véronique Geoffrion at 514-398-2274.

MNI cornerstone
Video of Bill Feindel and others at the opening of the MNI cornerstone is now online courtesy of NeuroMedia Services.

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Upcoming events

Join the Reitman family for lunch, December 11
With their usual generous spirit, the Reitman family will host lunch on December 11 for all 900+ Neuro staff members throughout the day and evening in the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre. The traditional buffet will be served from 11:30 am – 2 pm, at 6 pm and again later in the evening for all to enjoy. The Neuro Choir will perform at noon. We thank the Reitmans for establishing this festive community event and maintaining it for more than 60 years.

Faculty gatherings: business and pleasure, December 10 and 17
The faculty will meet to discuss the MNI External Review and other business at 3 pm December 10; and celebrate the season at the Neuro’s holiday wine and cheese reception December 17 from 3:00-5:00 pm.

Neuro Christmas Party, December 18
Revelers will enjoy dinner and dancing at the 2nd Annual Neuro Christmas Party at Hotel Auberge Universel on Thursday, December 18. Come with friends to enjoy the food, fun and door prizes. Tickets are $30-$40; please call Elvio Forte (local 1985), Anna Scotti (local 1984) or Micheline Vincelli (local 1921) for more information. Happy Holidays!

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Congratulations to…..

Brenda Milner who received a standing ovation from the 3-4,000 people who attended her History of Neuroscience lecture, Reflecting on the Field of Brain and Memory, at the 38th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Washington, DC. Dr. Milner holds her own place in the history of neuroscience and is recognized by the Society through their history initiative in an autobiography, video and classic paper, which can be seen online.

Abbas Sadikot, neurosurgeon, who received an award from the Huntington's Society of Canada for his top score as a Huntington’s Disease scientist in a recent CIHR grant competition.

Christopher Thompson, who built Canada’s first PET scanner, was awarded the Edward J. Hoffman Medical Imaging Scientist Award from the IEEE, Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society and Nuclear Medical and Imaging Sciences Council for outstanding technical contributions in the field.

Boris Bernhardt (Bernasconi lab), Katherine Horn (Kennedy lab), Christopher Kent (Fournier lab), Claire Sandoe (Hamel lab), Timothy Wai (Shoubridge lab), and Brendon Yeats (Hastings lab) who received 2008 Jeanne Timmins Costello Returning Student Awards.

Mohamad Seyed Sadr, PhD student with Rolando Del Maestro, who was awarded the Christian Geada Brain Tumour Research Studentship.

Kappy Flanders, MNI Advisory Board member, who was recognized for her outstanding philanthropic contributions on National Philanthropy Day.

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Director - David R. Colman, PhD
Senior Management - Mark Angle, MD; Phil Barker, PhD; Rob Dunn, PhD; Tom Gevas, Marilyn Kaplow, Elizabeth Kofron, PhD; Patricia O'Connor, Catherine Rowe, Donatella Tampieri
Neuro News: Elizabeth Kofron, PhD & Sandra McPherson, PhD

Please send any items for the Neuro News to Sandra McPherson or Beth Kofron.

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