Burtnick and colleagues unbury the mysteries of buried actin-binding sites
The dynamic and tightly regulated interactions of actin and actin-binding proteins determine the sape and function of all mammalian cells. Loss of integrity of these proteins and their capacity to modulate cell function under different pathophysiologic conditions are associated with a range of diseases. It is therefore critical to delineate the mechanisms underlying these interactions […]
Rossi lab finds elusive repair cell
Following damage, many organs regenerate and return to their original state. When regeneration fails, a fibrous scar tissue, often containing scattered fat cells (adipocytes), replaces the functional tissue and interferes with organ function. Preventing this process remains a challenge, and requires identification of the source of the fibrous tissue and characterization of the adult stem […]
Karsan group identify microRNAs that are important in a maligant blood disease
A study published in Nature Medicine, led by CBR investigator Aly Karsan, Professor and Medical Director of the Cancer Genetics Laboratory, BCCA, and Head of Clinical Genomic Diagnostics at the Genome Sciences Centre reveals the role of two microRNAs (miRs) in a subtype of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS comprise a group of malignant hematopoietic stem […]
Apheresis Program of BC: A new name for a life-saving service
Apheresis is a process in which the blood of a donor or patient is passed through an apparatus that separates out one particular constituent and returns the remainder to the circulation. The first unit in BC over 20 years ago was stored in a mobile trailer in front of the emergency department of Vancouver General […]
Overall and Kizhakkedathu are on the TAILs of orphan proteases
Simple and reliable approaches to characterize the N-termini of proteins not only promise to provide insight into the regulation and functions of gene products, but they can also provide a convenient way to identify the cleavage products generated by proteases with poorly defined specificities. The substrates of proteases often provide important insights into their in […]
The VGH Apheresis Program to help test new treatment for TTP-HUS
Thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are devastating clinical syndromes characterized by low platelets, anemia, fever, neurologic symptoms and kidney failure. Daily plasma exchange is the first-line treatment for patients with TTP-HUS. Unfortunately, a significant number of patients fail to respond and second line therapies are not well established. The Apheresis Program of […]
Talecris Supports CBR Education
The CBR is pleased to announce that Talecris Canada has awarded the CBR an unrestricted Medical Education Grant of $10,000 to support the CBR Seminar Series. Talecris Biotherapeutics is a global biotherapeutic and biotechnology company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas. The […]
Novo Nordisk Sponsors the 2010 CBR Earl W. Davie Lecture Series
Earl W. Davie is an internationally recognized leader in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis, made numerous seminal discoveries, and fostered and mentored generations of successful scientists and physicians. To honour Dr. Davie’s accomplishments and contributions, Ross MacGillivray, founding director of the CBR, established a highly successful, annual Earl W. Davie Lecture Series. Since its […]
Kelly McNagny and colleagues in a multilab study uncover mysteries of vascular lumen formation
The survival of mammals requires the formation of a complex network of blood vessels – tubes that are lined by endothelial cells – that traverse every organ, and dynamically respond to a range of pathophysiologic stresses. The blood vessels carry and regulate the delivery of essential factors including oxygen, nutrients and fluids, and dispose of […]
Chris Orvig wins the 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Award from the Canadian Society for Chemistry
Via his expertise in coordination chemistry and its applications to health problems, he has made major contributions to understanding metal ions in biological processes, particularly medicinal. His focus for thirty years has been medicinal inorganic chemistry, in both basic and applied research, and in the promulgation of the field to non-experts. Projects in his labs […]