Three LSI researchers named Canada Research Chairs

On being named a CRC:

I am very grateful to have been awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. I'm looking forward to launching into this next phase of my career with this unique opportunity to advance my research and join the amazing cohort of CRCs across Canada.

In the Rosin lab, our objective is to understand how distinct populations of immune cells, such as microglia and macrophages, signal to nearby cells during embryogenesis to contribute to the normal development of the brain and face. We employ a variety of experimental approaches to identify unique cell types and the means through which they interact with or signal to nearby cells within their surroundings. By disrupting these intricate cellular interactions during gestation using pharmacological inhibitors or environmental insults, such as stress or infection, we are able study how altering normal developmental programs impacts the fetal face, brain, and future behaviours.

How will the Canada Research Chair enable you to build on your existing research program?

The CRC funding/support will help us work on establishing the maternal periodontal infection mouse model so that we can generate preliminary data and apply for additional external funding. We will continue to look at the regulatory interplay between hypothalamic neurons and microglia, with a specific focus on the impact of maternal mental health (e.g., maternal stress) on neurodevelopmental programs. In addition to this, we will also examine the impact of maternal periodontal infection on the development of the fetal face, brain, and future behaviours, with the ultimate goal of improving prenatal care by underscoring the importance of oral health for pregnant women. In both cases, we will continue to examine why males and females often respond to maternal perturbations such as stress and infection differently during gestation.

What translational impacts do you aspire to achieve through this work?

In the case of maternal periodontal infection, we ultimately hope that our research findings are able to help improve prenatal care by underscoring the importance of oral health for pregnant women. In regards to the impact of maternal mental health on the fetus, the translational impacts of our research are hard to pinpoint because of the complexities associated with maternal mental health itself. In general, we hope that our findings can provide additional knowledge to healthcare providers and pregnant women, and our long-term goals are aimed at intervening during and/or after pregnancy to mitigate some of the disruptions that may be associated with maternal stress.