Key infrastructure used by University of Lethbridge researchers to make advances in the study of brain plasticity, neuroanatomy, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer treatment, antibiotic safety and biotech innovation is receiving a critical funding boost from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
Research labs in the Department of Neuroscience and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry are being supported by the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), receiving more than $382,000 to upgrade components that will allow researchers to continue their vital work. The funding is part of a $118-million investment in research infrastructure projects at 68 post-secondary institutions, announced in Ottawa by the Government of Canada.
“Investing in science and research today empowers our world-class researchers to find solutions to major challenges and seize new opportunities,” says Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry. “By supporting 357 projects at 68 institutions across Canada, this investment strengthens our research capacity, fosters innovation and helps build a more resilient and competitive economy.”
Dr. Jessica Willi, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, headed three applicant labs that received $226,630 for Spinning Ribosomes: An Ultracentrifugation Suite for Innovation in Health, Research and Industry.
Ribosomes are macromolecular biological machines found within all cells that translate the genetic code of messenger RNA into functional proteins. This process is central in all living cells, from bacteria to humans. The three applicant labs all study ribosomes and protein synthesis in different contexts, including studying brain cancer, antibiotic resistance, and re-purposing ribosomes for green synthesis in biotechnology.
“To study the ribosome, we require ultra-centrifuges capable of spinning a sample at such high g-forces that pure ribosomes separate out. These ultra-centrifuges will also be used to directly study the ribosomes' properties, like density, composition and functional status,” says Willi. “The research infrastructure will be used cooperatively and with shared expertise by three active research labs, and the discoveries made will inform new cancer treatments, help us safeguard antibiotics and drive innovation in biotech.”
Furthermore, trainees will gain expertise using these sophisticated instruments, preparing them for sought-after jobs in pharma, nanotechnology and medical research.
Similarly, three labs will benefit from $155,514 in funding for Dr. Robbin Gibb’s proposal, Integrative Microscopy for Behavioural, Developmental, and Comparative Neuroscience.
Understanding how brain anatomy supports behaviour across development, learning and evolution requires high-resolution imaging tools. Despite advances in MRI and other modalities, microscopy remains essential for quantifying cells, mapping neural circuits and tracking disease pathology.
“Our team, which will study developmental plasticity and experience-dependent change, Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk (comparative neuroanatomy and evolution), and Dr. Robert McDonald (learning, memory and Alzheimer's disease) conduct internationally recognized research that is critically dependent on microscopy. However, our existing equipment is obsolete and inoperable, hindering discovery and depriving students of vital training,” says Gibb.
The project will establish advanced microscopy infrastructure with modern imaging software to address fundamental questions in brain-behaviour relationships, from cellular plasticity to evolutionary diversity. The platform will support investigations into developmental experiences that shape cognition, comparative studies across one of the world's largest bird brain collections, and cellular analyses of neurodegenerative disease.
It will also train highly qualified personnel with transferable skills needed in medicine, veterinary science and industry.
“ULethbridge researchers continue to be at the forefront of discovery and this funding support from CFI validates the essential work they are doing to benefit all Canadians,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, Vice-President (Research). “This infrastructure is also integral in attracting and training students, allowing them to learn in cutting edge environments that spur growth and innovation.”