An innovative new initiative at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) is set to revolutionize research in Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. The establishment of the Bjorn Moller Research Repository, made possible by a generous donation from Bjorn and Rochelle Moller via the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI), will allow biological samples to be shared across multiple studies, enhancing research efficiency and expanding scientific inquiry.
Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell, the lead researcher behind the project, explains the inspiration for the repository.
“Many research projects collect biological samples such as blood and stool, but current ethical and consent processes often limit their use to a single study,” says Dr. Appel-Cresswell, DMCBH member and Associate Professor in UBC Medicine’s Division of Neurology. “When these studies conclude, excess samples are typically discarded. The Bjorn Moller Research Repository changes this by allowing participants to consent to their samples being used for multiple research projects. This is particularly valuable for our work in studying the roles of gut microbiome, inflammation and genetics in movement disorders.”
The biorepository is expected to accelerate progress in Parkinson disease (PD) research by making it easier to explore different clinical and biological aspects of movement disorders. It also enables researchers to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies used for sample profiling and data integration.
Looking ahead, several exciting research projects are in the pipeline, pending ethics approval and funding. One such project seeks to profile the blood of individuals with PD using cutting-edge rapid and large-scale testing technology. Researchers hope to identify biomarkers that could lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.
The repository is named after Bjorn Moller, a dedicated advocate for Parkinson’s research and a PPRI board member. The PPRI is a local nonprofit organization supporting research on PD conducted at the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre (within the DMCBH’s Movement Disorders Clinic). Moller has played a key role in supporting numerous research initiatives, including the Porridge for Parkinson’s fundraiser. His commitment has been instrumental in advancing efforts to prevent, slow and treat PD.
Dr. Appel-Cresswell and her team have set an ambitious goal of recruiting 400 participants over the next four years. Encouragingly, over 100 participants have already joined just months after the project’s launch in the fall of 2024.
“We are thrilled by the early enthusiasm and are committed to ensuring the research is as inclusive as possible, particularly aiming to enhance recruitment from underrepresented communities,” says Dr. Appel-Cresswell.
Beyond Parkinson disease, the repository’s growing collection of samples and data will enable studies on movement disorders, aging, lifestyle factors such as diet and occupation, and social factors like quality of life and friendships.
“The possibilities for future research are endless and we are looking forward to establishing new research collaborations,” notes Dr. Samantha Schaffner, a Research Associate in the Appel-Cresswell lab. “By integrating clinical, lifestyle and biological information, we can take a more holistic approach to understanding a variety of complex neurological conditions.”
As the Bjorn Moller Research Repository continues to expand, researchers and advocates alike are hopeful that this initiative will lead to significant breakthroughs in movement disorder research, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by PD and related conditions.
