The goal of this research project is to exploit a recent discovery made at Université de Sherbrooke and develop novel antibacterial agents for difficult to treat bacterial infections. The project will target both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, using a combination of structural biology, molecular modeling medicinal chemistry and microbiology.

New studies have implicated the gut as the staging area for the start of Parkinson’s disease. Disruptions in the gut biota can promote the formation of toxic protein seeds that can move from the gut into the brain, spreading through the brain and causing progressive loss of neurons and problems with movement. It still needs […]

Le laboratoire Fesko cultive des microalgues afin de produire des molécules isotopiques pour le marché pharmaceutique. Une problématique de contamination biologique des cultures est apparue dans les dernières années et Fesko recherche des solutions afin de la contrôler et maintenir la productivité des microalgues. Deux méthodes seront étudiées pour identifier l’ensemble des microorganismes indésirables et […]

Bioprocesses are indispensable for the sustainable production of high value chemical compounds from renewable feedstock. In many processes, genetically engineered strains with a modified metabolism are used. Boosting the performance of such a production host can be essential to make a bioprocess profitable. Computational strain design provides methods to identify interventions in the microbial metabolism […]

During thhis project I will investigate the interactions responsible for maintaining functional protein networks in the basement membrane, a specialized tissue surrounding epithelial cells. By utilizing the recently developed centrifuge force microscope of the hosting research group I will investigate the strength and lifetime of the forces between head domains of the important protein in […]

In this Mitacs proposal, the Carbohydrate Chemistry and Utilization Program at the University of Saskatchewan (Usask) aims to collaborate with a leading producer of compostable molded fiber bowls ? SustainaPulp Canada Inc. ? to develop replacements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in their products. The alternatives will be prepared from maltodextrins, a common food […]

Mitochondria are critical producers of energy and are the platform for various metabolic reactions that support cellular health. Mitochondria suffer from a variety of damage as a consequence of housing these reactive pathways. In order for cells and organisms to survive this damage, dysfunctional mitochondria are removed from the cell in a process termed mitophagy. […]

Burn injuries and wounds caused by burns are big health problems and in Canada alone cost nearly $290 million. Additionally, these wounds usually persist and become infected and subsequently drastically compromise patients’ health, result in significantly longer hospitalization, delayed wound healing, higher costs and higher risk of death. Therefore, prevention and management of wound infections […]

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate and cannot be detected by screening. Strategies to decrease the burden of OC in Canada will need to improve the delivery of effective prevention, particularly risk-reducing surgery. This initiative is designed to execute three projects that focus on possible strategies to improve the effective delivery of evidence-based OC […]

IMV Inc. is developing injectable cancer immune therapy using the company’s DPXTM technology. DPX is a patented formulation that displays excellent tumor control and provides a long lasting and specific effect. The way by which this therapy exerts its effect is unclear but the translational team at IMV is determined to discover its mechanism of […]

Tardigrades are among the hardiest organisms known, with some species being able to withstand high doses of radiation, desiccation, lack of nutrients, and extremes in both pressure and temperature. Humans, conversely, are extremely susceptible to such conditions. The tardigrade’s ability to readily survive for long periods in the harsh environment of space has been well […]

In order to improve the health and work productivity of Canadians, ParticipACTION developed a rewards-based, PA tracking intervention called UPnGO with ParticipACTION. The UPnGO program aims to increase the amount of PA and decrease the amount of sedentary activities throughout the workday. This program was released to the public in Fall of 2017, however, program […]