Genomics researchers in B.C. will benefit from $35 million in new
research funding as part of a 22-project national investment of
$136 million, according to a recent announcement by federally funded
Genome Canada.
“Congratulations to Genome BC and all the scientists who will
be involved in this critically important research,” says UBC President
Martha Piper. “We are especially gratified that UBC researchers
and our teaching hospital associates have been recognized so prominently.”
Genome BC — a regional partner of the federal agency — will administer
five large-scale projects in the areas of health, forestry, fisheries
and the environment. The value of these projects and associated
infrastructure totals $67.8 million and represents one of B.C.’s
largest and most diverse public biological research initiatives.
“In B.C., we’re targeting genomics research that will be important
to the economic and social fabric of our province,” says Genome
BC President Roger Foxall. “We see not just the potential for major
economic activity in B.C. but also the scope for significant advancements
against disease, especially cancer.”
UBC researchers will collaborate on studies that include tracking
how normal cells change into malignancies in the early stages of
cancer. Led by Victor Ling, vice-president, Research, at BC Cancer
Agency (BCCA) and a UBC professor of Pathology, and Marco Marra,
director of BCCA Genome Sequence Centre, the study will conduct
genomics analyses on cells to identify the mutated genes that distinguish
early stage cancers from normal tissues.
Microbiology and Immunology Prof. Emeritus Julian Davies will lead
a project in the area of microbial envirogenomics that aims to improve
researchers’ understanding of the diversity of micro-organisms and
the way they interact with their environment. The team will study
a bacterium that is central to the carbon cycle.
A transparent worm called a C. elegans nematode and its relationship
to humans is the focus of research for Zoology Assoc. Prof. Don
Moerman. Nematodes and humans have 7,000 common genes so they can
be used as a source to create and better understand genetic mutations.
This information can then be applied to human health issues.
Trees have built-in defense mechanisms against pests and environmental
stress. A team led by Forest Sciences Prof. Kermit Ritland will
study the genes of wood tissues, particularly the poplar and spruce,
to better understand these mechanisms and will identify genetic
markers in a variety of trees to improve tree breeding programs.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria
will use genomics research on Atlantic salmon to learn more about
the structure and function of the salmon immune system. The research
will further understanding of fish growth and reproduction.
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to developing
and implementing a national strategy in genomics research with genome
centres across the country.
Genome BC, established in July 2000, co-ordinates genomics research
in B.C. and brings together universities, research hospitals, other
research centres and industry as well as government and private
agencies.
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