Scientists in this theme are pursuing basic research regarding cellular and brain aging, and imaging of the brain as well. Chantal Autexier’s laboratory is internationally recognized for studies of telomerase, an crucial enzyme in controlling cell survival and aging. Dr. Autexier was awarded a prestigious 2009 “Chercheur National” salary award from the FRSQ. Andréa LeBlanc’s studies of the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease are increasingly recognized as ground-breaking. Her recent work on caspases as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is highly cited. Hemant Paudel has received international acclaim for studies of the biochemistry of tau protein. He recently localized the critical point at which hyperphosphorylation of tau occurs in Alzheimer’s Disease. Ralf Schirrmacher is carrying out fundamental radiochemistry work to devise new ligands for imaging of brain diseases of aging. Hyman Schipper’s laboratory focuses on oxidative stress as a mechanism for brain aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. He has discovered important blood biomarkers of early AD that relate to oxidative stress abnormalities. . Dr Schipper, who chairs the CIHR “clinical and biological basis of aging” grants committee, is also a founding scientist of Molecular Biometrics Inc. (MB), and this McGill spin-off company recently received BIOQuebec’s 2009 Genesis Technology Transfer Award.
Researchers
Andréa LeBlanc, Ph.D. (Directrice), McGill William Dawson Professor ; Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Chantal Autexier, FRSQ Chercheur National; Ph.D. Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University
Hemant K. Paudel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Hyman M. Schipper, M.D., Ph.D.,Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Ralf Schirrmacher, Ph.D., CRC Chair in Radiochemistry; Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery