On May 7, CLEAR Foundation welcomed supporters and researchers to the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) for From Lab to Life, an immersive event showcasing some of British Columbia’s most promising advances in dementia research.
The afternoon offered attendees the opportunity to step inside the labs of CLEAR-funded scientists, witnessing firsthand the innovative technologies, therapeutic approaches, and scientific discoveries.
The Snutch & Bamji Labs: Targeting early brain hyperexcitability to slow dementia
Dr. Terrance Snutch, Dr. Shernaz Bamji and their teams, are studying whether targeting hyperexcitable neurons early could help slow the development and progression of dementia.
Their research is exploring the potential of Z944 (Ulixacaltamide), a drug developed by Dr. Snutch and previously tested in late-stage clinical trials for another neurological condition, to reduce this abnormal brain activity and potentially slow the progression of dementia.
The Nygaard Lab: 3D bioprinting for human brain modelling and pathophysiology
Guests experienced a live 3D bioprinting demonstration by Dr. Stefano Sorrentino, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Haakon Nygaard’s lab, showcasing how patient-derived stem cells are used to create tailored human brain models that preserve the pathological traits of Alzheimer’s disease.
This innovative research helps us to better understand disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.
The MacVicar Lab: Protecting brain function through cellular environments
Dr. Chris Groten, Dr. Nicholas Weilinger and Dr. Louis-Phillipe Bernier, three postdoctoral fellows in Dr. Brian MacVicar’s lab, are using advanced microscopy and novel genetic therapies to study brain cell function in both live and fixed tissue.
The MacVicar Lab is focusing on testing ways to modify glial and vascular functions to better support and protect neurons and bolster their resistance to Alzheimer’s disease.
This story was originally published on the CLEAR Foundation website.
