RESEARCH STUDIES
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second leading cause of dementia in persons under 60 years of age. FTD and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease) are related diseases that exist on a spectrum of the same underlying disease process. To assist in early and accurate diagnosis of FTD and ALS, with the aim of improving care and therapy options, we are develop new biomarkers and biomarker technologies. A few of our research outputs are noted below:

Truncated TDP-43 proteoforms diagnostic of frontotemporal dementia with TDP-43 pathology. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2024;20(1):103-111.
Aptamer-based enrichment of TDP-43 from human cells and tissues with quantification by HPLC-MS/MS. Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 2021;363:109344.
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Detection and Characterization of TDP-43 in Human Cells and Tissues by Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry. Clinical Mass Spectrometry. 2019;14:66-73.
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The diagnostic performance of neurofilament light chain in CSF and blood for Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2019;11:730-743.
IMPACT-AD is a Canada-wide study to develop a comprehensive understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing impacts medical and personal decision making, and health care costs. The goal of IMPACT-AD is to inform positive change in the health care system to improve care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, and their families.
Learn more at impactAD.org
IMPACT-AD British Columbia focuses on the health care system in the province of British Columbia. IMPACT-AD British Columbia is investigating how Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing impacts medical and personal decision making, and health care costs.
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Learn more at impactAD.org​
COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we leveraged our experience in protein-based diagnostics, including rapid novel assay development and serological testing, to contribute to the fight against COVID-19. A few of our outputs are noted below. 

Research in the news:

Ensuring Canadian researchers are well equipped to tackle the pandemic. Canadian Foundation for Innovation

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New study casts doubt on time between COVID-19 vaccine doses. The Globe and Mail, March 26, 2021
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Long-term care residents show weaker immune response to first dose of vaccine. Vancouver Sun. March 26, 2021
​Research articles (selected):

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Serology: A Review and Assessment of Potential Implications for Clinical Practice, Laboratory Medicine, and Public Health. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2020;192(34):E973-E979.

Early increases in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody isotypes associated with organ dysfunction and mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Intensive Care Medicine. 2022; in press.
Visit our publication page for information on additional research projects in the lab.
RESEARCH PARTNERS
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