3rd Annual Biotechnology &
Human Health
Symposium
Genetic Influences on Health and Disease:
an Atlantic Canadian Perspective
2
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
collaboration to commercialization
Canadian Institutes
of Health Research
Instituts de recherche
en santé du Canada
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
in Partnership with
The Biotechnology and Human Health Symposium is
an annual Scientific Symposium that attracts world-class
researchers and industry leaders with two main objectives;
x Scientific - to provide a forum for exchange of
scientific / commercialization information
x Public Awareness - to promote public awareness and
education of Atlantic Canada’s scientific focus and
capabilities in Biotechnology as applied to human
health
The focus for the 2012 Symposium is on neurological
disorders and other chronic diseases of aging.
The Symposium will provide insight into the cutting edge
research tools being used to translate and commercialize
scientific discoveries, regarding these diseases, into effective
diagnostics and human therapies.
The plenary session and open presentations provide an
opportunity to profile the research being conducted in
Atlantic Canada and to attract support for research into
chronic diseases of aging. This is of particular importance
to the rising tide of our aging population both in the need
for improved diagnostics and therapies and for economically
sustainable solutions that will address the ever-increasing
health care burden.
Thank you for participating in the 3rd Annual Biotechnology
and Human Health Symposium.
2
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
“Genetic Influences on Health and Disease:
an Atlantic Canadian Perspective”
Public Lecture 7 pm, Sunday, June 24th
Barry Greenberg Director of Strategy,
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance
will present a lecture entitled:
“Realities of dementia:
Establishing a breakwater
to divert the incoming tsunami.”
at the Regis and Joan Duffy
Research Centre Lecture Theatre, UPEI
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
3
Barry Greenberg, PhD, FRSC
Dr. Greenberg has been directly
involved in Alzheimer’s disease research
and drug discovery since 1985. He has
held a series of positions internationally
within the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries with
increasing extensive involvement
in strategic planning, business
development, and technology transfer.
He has strong international connections
in the Alzheimer field, including
industry, academia, government, and
the voluntary sector, plus multi-sector
consortia. Dr. Greenberg has been involved in most aspects of the drug
discovery process in neurological disease, with expertise ranging from
target identification and validation through preclinical and clinical
development including issues of diagnosis and proof of concept.
As director of the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, Dr.
Greenberg is guiding the process of fully harnessing the population
research resource afforded by the Toronto region as a tool for
discovery and translation of insights into improved diagnostics,
preventive interventions and more effective treatments and
algorithms of care, by co-ordinating relevant research expertise,
integrating clinical and technology platforms and harnessing the
clinical and basic research capacities of the region.
4
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Genetic Influences on Health
and Disease: an Atlantic Canadian Perspective
Program
Date/Time
Speaker
Sunday, June 24
Regis and Joan Duffy
Research Centre Lecture Theatre, UPEI
7:00 p.m.
Barry Greenberg,
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance
Monday, June 25
Regis and Joan Duffy
Research Centre Lecture Theatre, UPEI
08:00-08:30
Registration & Continental Breakfast
08:30-08:45
Welcome & Opening Remarks
08:45-09:25
Dr. Anne Bassett,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
09:25-10:05
Dr. R. Andrew Tasker,
University of Prince Edward Island
10:05-10:20
10:20-11:00
Networking Break
Dr. Guang Sun,
Memorial University
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
Session Title
Realities of dementia:
Establishing a breakwater to divert
the incoming tsunami.
Advances in understanding
the genetics of schizophrenia:
implications for patients, families
and clinicians.
Effects of neonatal chemical and/
or environmental manipulations
on neurological disease progression
and diversity.
Understanding the genetic and
endocrine factors in human obesity
and diabetes: Findings from the
Newfoundland studies.
June 24 -26, 2012
5
Schedule of Events
Date/Time
Speaker
Session Title
11:00-11:40
Dr. Guangju Zhai,
Memorial University
The application of genome-wide
association study in identifying
susceptibility genes for osteoarthritis.
11:40-12:20
Dr. Aarnoud C. van der Spoel,
Dalhousie University
Glycosphingolipid metabolism,
lysosomal functioning and
neurodegenerative disease.
12:20-13:20
Networking Luncheon
13:20-14:00
Dr. Michael Schlossmacher,
University of Ottawa
Exploring Parkinson Disease riskassociated genes to identify drug
targets.
14:20-14:40
Dr. Don Weaver,
Dalhousie University
Design and development of novel
agents for the treatment of dementia.
14:40-15:20
Dr. George Robertson,
Dalhousie University
15:20-15:30
Networking Break
Development of the falvonoidenriched apple peel extract AF4
for the prevention and treatment of
neurodegenerative disorders.
15:30-16:10
Dr. Vic Rafuse,
Dalhousie University
In vitro motoneurogenesis;
What is it good for?
16:10-16:50
Dr. James Koprich,
Atuka Ltd.
Development and characterization
of a rodent and primate model
of Parkinson’s disease alphasynucleinopathy.
16:50-17:30
Dr.Barry Greenberg
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance
6
Overcoming hurdles in drug
discovery and development for
Alzheimer’s disease: The importance
of biomarkers.
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Schedule of Events
Date/Time
Speaker
Session Title
Tuesday, June 26
Regis and Joan Duffy
Research Centre Lecture Theatre, UPEI
08:00-08:30
Registration & Continental Breakfast
08:30-08:40
Opening Remarks
08:40-9:20
Dr. Jason MacDougall,
Dalhousie University
Novel targets to treat
osteoarthritis pain.
09:20-10:00
Dr. Alex McLellan,
Neuroquest
Novel treatment for neuropathic pain.
10:00-10:15
Networking Break
10:15-10:55
Dr. Jana Sawynok,
Dalhousie University
Topical analgesics for
neuropathic pain.
10:55-11:35
Dr. Denis Kay,
Neurodyn Inc.
Neurodyn: How we got here
from there and where
(we think) we’re going.
11:35-11:50
Closing Remarks
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
7
Guangju Zhai, MD, PhD
I received my medical training in China and
practiced for 9 years as a Family physician before
obtaining my MSc in genetic epidemiology at
Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
in 2002, and PhD in Medicine (Epidemiology) at
Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania,
Australia in 2005. Before joining Memorial
University of Newfoundland, I was a senior genetic
epidemiologist at Department of Twin Research &
Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, UK. Currently I also hold
an honorary senior research fellow appointment at King’s College London.
Guang Sun, MD, PhD
Dr. Sun obtained his MD in China Medical University
(CMU) in 1983. He then completed his MSc in 1988
in CMU in the field of preventive medicine and a PhD
degree in medicine of public health in 1996 in Faculty
of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan. With a strong
interest in research, Dr. Sun studied the genetics of
human obesity in Dr. Bouchard’s laboratory in Laval
University, from 1996-1999 as a postdoctoral fellow.
He continued the research work on human obesity
as a postdoctoral associate in Pennington Biomedical Research Centre,
Louisiana State University until he was recruited to Faculty of Medicine,
Memorial University of Newfoundland, in March of 2001.
Dr. Sun holds the Novartis Professorship in Pediatric Genetics, sponsored by
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. He was fast-track promoted from
assistant to associate professor in 2005. Dr. Sun has published over 40
peerreviewed papers many of which are in high impact journals such
as Diabetes and AJCN. Dr. Sun has served as a board member on two
international peerreviewed journals and ad hoc reviewer for over 30 peerreviewed journals. Dr. Sun has served as a panel member of CIHR operating
8
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
grant committees and long-term external reviewers for
CIHR, HSF and other provincial and international funding
agencies as well. CIHR has featured Dr. Sun’s research four times in
2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 for his significant contributions towards the study
of obesity and diabetes. Dr. Sun’s research has been heavily funded by CIHR
with 5 successful CIHR operating and equipment grants plus funding from
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), NLCAHR, General Hospital,
Janeway Children Hospital and MRC. Dr. Sun has wide collaborations
locally, nationally and internationally with researchers at Memorial, U of
T, Laval University, Harvard University and Beijing University. Dr. Sun has
chaired a Nutrigenomics Research Interest Group (NRIG) at Memorial
University since 2007.
Dr. Sun’s expertise in research is in the field of nutrigenomics, the genetic,
endocrine and nutritional factors responsible for the predisposition to obesity
and diabetes. Dr. Sun and his team study obesity and diabetes in human
subjects at different levels using distinguished technologies.
Don F. Weaver, MD, PhD, FRCP(C)
Our research focuses on the design and synthesis of
novel drugs for the treatment of chronic neurologic
disorders, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s dementia.
The techniques of rational drug design are exploited in
the design strategy. First, target molecules central to
the underlying disease process are selected. In epilepsy,
these target macromolecules include voltage gated ion
channel proteins (e.g. Na channel) and receptor gated ion channel proteins
(e.g. NMDA receptor). Extensive use of computer assisted molecular design
(CAMD) is then employed to facilitate the design of novel drug molecules.
These new compounds are then synthesized and characterized. New compounds
are evaluated for activity in experimental seizure models. Compounds which
show promising activity are optimized through quantitative structure-activity
relationship studies. Multiple lead compounds developed in our laboratory
KDYHGHPRQVWUDWHGVLJQL¿FDQWDFWLYLW\LQSUHFOLQLFDOVWXGLHVLQWKH1DWLRQDO
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
9
Institutes of Health (NIH) Antiepileptic Drug Development Program. In
Alzheimer’s disease, compounds are designed to inhibit aggregation of
beta-amyloid peptide. The activities of our research group are completed
in an organic chemistry laboratory and in a molecular modelling computer
laboratory. The computer laboratory is equipped with IBM RS/6000 RISC
computers permitting a wide variety of quantum pharmacology (e.g. molecular
mechanics, quantum mechanics) calculations. Attempts are made to correlate
basic science with clinical science, thereby enabling a “bench top to bedside”
philosophy in drug design.
Anne S. Bassett, MD
Dr. Anne Bassett is Director of the Clinical Genetics
Research Program in the Clinical Research Department.
She is the Canada Research Chair in Schizophrenia
Genetics and Genomics Disorders and a Professor of
Psychiatry, University of Toronto.
Dr. Bassett is an internationally renowned expert in
the genetics of schizophrenia. She is the principal
investigator of studies aiming to localize genes for schizophrenia and
characterize genetic subtypes of schizophrenia. Her goal is to gain new
insights into the mechanism of illness that should help develop new
treatments. In research into familial schizophrenia, her group has localized
regions of the genome likely to contain susceptibility genes for schizophrenia
and has identified a candidate gene, NOS1AP, on chromosome 1. Dr. Bassett
has also pioneered studies of an important but under-recognized subtype
of schizophrenia known as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome that affects 1-2
of every 100 patients with schizophrenia. An exciting initiative involves
translating research findings directly into clinical practice. Dr. Bassett’s
active career also includes teaching and public service, particularly for the
Schizophrenia Society of Canada.
10
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
R. Andrew Tasker, PhD, FCAHS
R. Andrew Tasker is Professor of Neuropharmacology
at UPEI and also holds appointments as Adjunct
Professor in Anatomy & Neurobiology at Dalhousie
University. He is also a member of the Halifax-based
Brain Repair Centre and the Canadian Stroke Network (NCE). He
currently holds 7 patents in the US, Canada and Europe, is a Senior
Scientific Consultant and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of
Neurodyn Inc. (Charlottetown) and is one of 6 founding scientists of
NoNO Inc., a Toronto-based biotechnology company.
Dr. R. Andrew Tasker is trying to unravel the processes responsible for
progressive neurodegeneration and to find new ways of restoring normal
function following brain injury. He has a long history of developing,
patenting and researching new clinically-relevant animal models of
human disease, and is currently the Principal Investigator on an AIF
project to create, characterize and commercialize models of epilepsy,
schizophrenia and stroke. His current research programs are focused along
two main themes, namely, (1) using a neurodevelopmental rat model of
epilepsy and organotypic hippocampal cell cultures to understand the
processes responsible for abnormal circuit formation in the brain prior
to the appearance of seizure states in epilepsy, and (2) investigating
new ways to promote recovery of both motor and cognitive function
following stroke. He works closely with a number of basic and clinical
science researchers at the BRC and is a member of the BRC Research
and Education committee.
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
11
Michael Schlossmacher, MD
The goal of Dr. Schlossmacher’s work as a physicianscientist is to contribute to the improved care of patients
with neurodegenerative diseases. In 1988, following
his graduation from medical school in Vienna, Austria
and the completion of his military service, a Fulbright
Commission scholarship enabled Dr. Schlossmacher
to visit Harvard University. In the laboratory of Dr.
Dennis Selkoe (1988-1992), he subsequently studied the
molecular pathology of Alzheimer disease. Following residency training in
general medicine from 1992 to 1995 in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Schlossmacher
completed adult neurology training in the Harvard Longwood Neurology
Program (1995-1999) and a clinical fellowship in the subspecialty of movement
disorders at Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts
General Hospital (1999-2001). Since 2000, Dr. Schlossmacher has focused
his research activities on Parkinson disease, first, under the mentorship of
Drs. Dennis Selkoe, Ken Kosik and Peter Lansbury, and then, as of 2003,
as an independent investigator at the Center for Neurologic Diseases at
BWH in Boston. In January 2004, he was appointed Assistant Professor
in Neurology at Harvard Medical School. In late 2006, Dr. Schlossmacher
moved to the University of Ottawa, where he opened a new laboratory in
January 2007.
12
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Aarnoud C. van der Spoel, PhD
Mammalian cells contain many different types of
biochemical compounds. Many of these fit in the
category of lipids, which is amazingly diverse. A typical
cell contains over 1000 structurally distinct lipid species,
making up about one-third of its dry mass. The challenge
at the moment is to understand the physiological and
pathological roles of the many lipid species.
My research focuses on one class of lipids, sphingolipids - in particular
glycosphingolipids (GSLs), which are composite molecules made up of the
sphingolipid ceramide and a mono- or oligosaccharide. A striking feature
of the GSL family itself is the multitude (over 300) of structural variants,
differing in their ceramide and carbohydrate domains. A typical mammalian
cell contains a number of distinct GSLs, in different amounts, depending
on cell type, developmental stage and other factors. GSLs are important
in biology and medicine. These two-domain molecules are ubiquitous
membrane components, and play essential roles in embryonic development,
the functioning of the central nervous system, the establishment of skin
impermeability, spermatogenesis, and are involved in Type 2 diabetes,
Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune neuropathies, bacterial infections,
atherosclerosis, and genetic metabolic disorders.
My attention is directed towards glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which is
generated via the transfer of glucose to ceramide. GlcCer is important as
precursor of complex GSLs, but also for the development of the major
secretory vesicle in male germ cells, in multidrug resistance of cancer cells,
and in Gaucher disease, which is caused by genetic deficiencies in the
degradation of GlcCer. I will expand on previous studies, in which I used
pharmacological methods to modulate GlcCer levels in murine male germ
cells, with an eye on the lifecycle and cell biology of GlcCer, and taking
into account the contributions of various enzymes that can metabolize this
sphingolipid.
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
13
George S. Robertson, PhD
My laboratory is engaged in several projects that
are addressing the role of programmed cell death
or apoptosis in neurodegenerative disorders such as
Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and
multiple sclerosis. Apoptosis is a highly conserved
biological process that orchestrates the orderly
dismantling and removal of extraneous cells from
the body. Maturation of both the central nervous
system (CNS) and the immune system is mediated
by the elimination of redundant cells that fail to establish synaptic
connections or productive antigen specificities, respectively. My research
is based on the premise that dysfunction of the biochemical machinery
responsible for apoptosis in the CNS and immune system may
contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of neurodegenerative
disorders. Accordingly, treatments capable of modulating apoptosis may
have broad utility in the treatment of degenerative illnesses of the CNS.
Apoptosis is executed by a specific class of proteases known as caspases
that dismantle a cell by systematically cleaving proteins essential to
metabolic and structural integrity. Opposing cellular destruction by
caspases are proteins encoded by the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family
of anti-apoptotic genes. We have shown that adenovirally-mediated
over-expression of IAP proteins in the CNS reduces neuronal loss
in experimental models of stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Moreover,
neurons protected from death by IAP over-expression operate
properly following transient cerebral ischemia or administration of the
dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP suggesting that treatments which upregulate IAP expression may be therapeutic in stroke and Parkinson’s
disease. A major goal of my research is to identify small molecules and
biological factors capable of reducing neuronal injury by inducing IAP
expression in the CNS.
Inflammatory processes have been implicated in neuronal loss in both
acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. A second major research
focus of my laboratory is to determine the extent to which inflammation
14
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
contributes to neuronal loss and behavioral deficits
in several neurodegenerative contexts. In the case of multiple
sclerosis, failure of auto-reactive T cells to undergo apoptosis may
promote inflammatory processes responsible for destruction of the
myelin sheath. Accumulating evidence suggests that in multiple sclerosis
increased expression of the IAP proteins may be responsible for the
resistance of auto-reactive T cells to apoptosis. In collaboration with the
Apoptosis Research Centre at the University of Ottawa, we are utilizing
a variety of experimental approaches to determine whether the IAP
proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Victor Rafuse, PhD
Dr. Vic Rafuse pursues stem cell treatments for
Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Our goal is to understand the fundamental
principles that control the differentiation, growth,
and survival of neurons during development and
after nerve injury. The ultimate objective of these
studies is to provide scientific information that
will guide and support the development of strategies designed to treat
neurological disorders such trauma to the spinal cord, amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral nerve injuries, spinal muscle
atrophy, and Parkinson’s disease. My laboratory routinely uses multiple
approaches (electrophysiology, molecular biology, state-of-the art
real time imaging) and model systems (genetically modified mice,
chicken embryos, tissue culture) to understand neural development
and regeneration. Currently the laboratory has four main research
interests: 1) the directed differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells
into functional motor neurons in order to repair damaged tissue, 2)
the use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to study motor neuron
diseases and mechanisms of repair, 3) understanding the molecular
mechanisms regulating motor axon guidance during development, and
4) characterizing how cell adhesion molecules regulate repair after a
nerve injury. Research in the laboratory is funded by the CIHR Institute
of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, NSERC, NSHRF,
and the Bernice Ramsay Discovery Grant (ALS Society of Canada).
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
15
Jason J. McDougall, PhD
Our joints possess an extensive nerve supply whose
primary function is to sense joint position and
control movement. Less known, is that these nerves
also serve other physiological functions such as the
control of joint blood flow and maintaining joint
health. My research focuses on the role of nerves in
controlling joint inflammation and pain using models
of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint injury.
Following injury, joint nerves release a cocktail of chemicals into the joint
which cause inflammatory changes such as increased blood flow, increased
vascular permeability, and angiogenesis. These same agents can also
sensitize the sensory nerves of the joint leading to a heightened feeling
of pain. My laboratory examines the effects of various neurotransmitters
on knee joint physiology by measuring each of these different parameters.
For joint blood flow experiments, for example, I use state-of-the-art laser
Doppler technology to map out areas of inflammation and administer
various drugs to try to modulate these inflammatory changes.
With the pain research, I employ classic electrophysiological techniques to
record the electrical activity of joint sensory nerves in response to trauma or
arthritis. Drugs are again administered to the joint to test their effectiveness
in reducing pain activity and hence be potential analgesics. This uniquely
integrative approach to arthritis research in my lab will provide us with a
better picture of the pathophysiological changes associated with arthritis
and hopefully lead to the development of better and more meaningful
drug therapies.
16
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Jana Sawynok, PhD
Dr. Sawynok, head of the Department of
Pharmacology, has developed a topical cream for
treating chronic neuropathic pain. She is also exploring
the effects of society’s most popular drug – caffeine –
on the painkilling action of medications, which are
frequently prescribed for chronic pain. Caffeine seems
to block the analgesic effect of a number of pain drugs
in pre-clinical studies. Given the widespread use of caffeine, it is important
to understand how it interacts with other drugs.
Dr. Sawynok also plays a leadership role in a national group that’s working
to increase Canadian medical students’ exposure to complementary and
alternative medicine. Many people, especially those with chronic pain, are
turning to such complementary therapies as acupuncture, chiropractic and
herbal medicine. Medical students need to understand and respect what
these approaches can offer.
Alexander McLellan, ND
Alex McLellan, is a naturopathic physician with
a diverse background specializing in the natural
health products industry. He has managed research
collaborations involving bioactives identification, new
product formulation and development, regulatory
strategy and execution, and human clinical trials. For
the last ten years he has managed the R&D department
of a natural health products company from start-up to
$12M in annual sales. As the result of these efforts a new biotech spin out
company, NeuroQuest, was incorporated in 2010 and is currently developing
a new class of drug for the treatment of pain. He is the inventor or coinventor on seven active patent applications.
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
17
James Koprich, PhD
Dr. James Koprich is a Senior Scientist for
the Parkinson’s disease (PD) contract research
organization, Atuka Inc. and is a Scientific Associate
at the Toronto Western Research Institute of
University Health Network. He received his
HBSc and MA in Experimental Psychology from
Lakehead University, his PhD in Neuroscience
from Rush University Medical Center and completed a post-doctoral
fellowship at Harvard University Medical School. Dr. Koprich has
been conducting PD related research over the past 11 years which has
included development and characterization of animal models, preclinical
evaluation of novel therapeutics for disease modification and reduction of
dyskinesia, and has published studies contributing to the understanding of
disease pathogenesis. In recent years, his work in Toronto has led to the
development of a progressive rat model of PD alpha-synucleinopathy that
is now being translated into non-human primate.
Denis G. Kay, PhD
A Neurodyn co-founder, Dr. Kay serves as Director
and Chief Scientific Officer of Neurodyn and CNS
CRO. During his academic career at McGill University
and the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, he
developed an expertise in animal model development
and characterization, especially in the areas of
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and AIDS. He is coinventor on a patented, commercialized animal model
of the multi system diseases associated with HIV infection. Dr. Kay was
instrumental in the establishment and development of Neurodyn’s R&D
program, and is inventor or co-inventor on three Neurodyn patent families
currently in prosecution.
18
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Moderators
Harold Robertson, PhD, FRSC
Harry graduated from the Universities of Western Ontario (B.A., M.Sc.)
and Cambridge (Ph.D.) and is now Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology
at Dalhousie University where he was Carnegie and Rockefeller Professor
and Head of the Department of Pharmacology for a decade. He is a fellow
of the Royal Society of Canada. He was the First Neurofortis Visiting
Professor at Lund University in Sweden and is also an Adjunct Professor at
the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Robertson is co-founder of the
Brain Repair Center (BRC) at Dalhousie University, and it’s first Director
of Research. He is best known for discovering the role of the immediate
early gene c-fos in brain and for his work on Parkinson’s and Huntington’s
disease. He is currently involved in several clinical trials on transplantation
and early diagnosis in Parkinson’s disease and holds the position of Director
of Clinical Research at Neurodyn Inc.
Jackalina M. Van Kampen, PhD
Dr. Jackalina M. Van Kampen currently works for the biotechnology
company, Neurodyn Inc., as Director of Preclinical Research and also holds
an appointment as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biomedical
Sciences. Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been the main thrust of her career.
She trained under the supervision of Dr. Jon Stoessl, Director of the Pacific
Parkinson’s Research Centre and National Parkinson Foundation Centre
of Excellence. After receiving her Ph.D., she continued with postdoctoral
training under the tutelage of Dr. Harold Robertson, Scientific Director
and Co-founder of the Brain Repair Centre at Dalhousie University. From
there, she went on to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Jacksonville,
Florida where she became Assistant Professor in the Department of
Neuroscience prior to her return home to Prince Edward Island.
19
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
Organizing Committee
Jackalina M. VanKampen, PhD
Neurodyn / UPEI
Harold A. Robertson, PhD, FRSC
Neurodyn / Brain Repair Centre
Denis G. Kay, PhD
Neurodyn / UPEI
Jennifer Lenentine
PEI BioAlliance
R. Andrew Tasker
Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI
Rory Francis
PEI BioAlliance
Biotechnology & Human Health Symposium
June 24 -26, 2012
20
NOTES