The HMR Is Preparing the Next Generation
Since 2012, the Foundation has joined forces with the HMR Research Centre to award scholarships for summer research projects. Through this program, students are granted $6500 scholarships for 16-week research internships. This year, four interns from the Université de Montréal honed their skills in the high-quality Research Centre learning environment.
Aïnhoa, Elizabeth, Farah and Simon were able to make the most of their training by focusing on promising research. Their contribution to this work was deeply appreciated by the professionals at the HMR. Learn about their internship topics:
Aïnhoa Olazabal
Aïnhoa Olazabal
Internship under the direction of Dr. Sylvie Lesage
Cellular Therapy
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a complication following stem cell allotransplantation, which is used to treat several cancers of the blood. By looking closer at DNT cells (double negative regulatory T cells), which are capable of preventing GVHD in mice, a cellular therapy protocol applicable to humans may see the light of day. During her internship, Aïnhoa was able to focus on the various parameters aiming to optimize this protocol. Research conducted to develop a safe and effective cellular product represents a real hope for transplant patients suffering from this condition.
Elizabeth Prairie
Elizabeth Prairie
Internship under the direction of Dr. Sylvain Chemtob
Neonatal
Inflammation (pain, redness, heat, swelling) is one of the primary factors responsible for premature births, often leading to various conditions or even death in newborns. Elizabeth took part in research that targets the interleukin-6 protein, linked to increased inflammation, and the control of which would help reduce the risks for both mother and baby. The work resulted in the creation of a molecule that inhibits the action of interleukin-6 and, when complete, will reduce the number of premature births.
Farah Abou Sharebain
Farah Abou Sharebain
Internship under the direction of Dr. Sylvie Lesage
Type 1 Diabetes
Farah is taking part in research that aims to identify the factors that are conducive to the production of antibodies responsible for the destruction of pancreatic cells, the cause of type 1 diabetes. This would help identify new parameters to target children who are at risk for developing diabetes, and may even prevent the onset of the disease in children. To do this, Farah implemented a new experimental model that could lead to new gene therapy to fight the autoimmune disease that is type 1 diabetes.
Simon Del Testa
Simon Del Testa
Internship under the direction of Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle
Cellular Therapy
By manipulating immune system cells, it is possible to boost their effectiveness when faced with an infection or cancer. During his internship, Simon contributed to the application of a new approach that targets very precisely certain immune cell genes that are specific to tumours. While these cells used to be very difficult to modify, this new approach would enable the delivery of more customized treatment for patients. It has already enabled the modification of the gene linked to cellular rejection in transplant patients. In future, this technique may be applied to other genes that would help improve the treatment of tumours, for example.
The HMR Foundation is proud to support the next generation of researchers and wishes them great success as they pursue their studies!
These students are living their ambition thanks to you! Your donations help us shape the future of medicine and contribute to the ongoing development of health care staff. Thank you for your support!
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