A Montréal researcher leads a transatlantic research project to combat cardiovascular disease

The Fondation Leducq invests $6 million in the research project

MONTREAL, Dec. 12, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - How does PCSK9 function and what is the impact of this protein on cardiovascular disease? A research team coordinated by Dr. Nabil G. Seidah, researcher at the IRCM, has been formed to answer this question. The Fondation Leducq is supporting this transatlantic project by investing $6 million over five years.

Dr. Seidah is a pioneer in the field of research on PCSK9, the ninth member of the proprotein convertase family that was discovered in his laboratory. In 2003, his team, in collaboration with French researchers, discovered that PCSK9 plays a key role in regulating cholesterol. This was one of the most exciting developments in cardiovascular research in the last decade.

"We now know that PCSK9 regulates bad cholesterol, known as LDL-cholesterol," explains Dr. Seidah, Director of the Biochemical Neuroendocrinology research unit at the IRCM. "We believe that inhibiting the function of PCSK9 can lower LDL-cholesterol levels. Clinical trials are currently underway to test PCSK9-inhibitors that could eventually supplement or even replace statins, the most prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug."

"However, we still do not understand exactly how PSCK9 functions," says Dr. Seidah. "How does this protein act and what are the risks associated to its inhibition? These are questions our research team will attempt to answer, which is precisely why the Fondation Leducq decided to support our project. In fact, we will focus on the understanding of this protein's biology and its role in hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease."

To tackle this issue, Dr. Seidah assembled an international, multidisciplinary team of experts. The researchers will address many of the current knowledge gaps surrounding PCSK9 biology. This collaboration between scientists with an extensive track record in the study of PCSK9 represents a true working synergy between existing successful laboratories that will result in the integration of a critical mass of knowledge for the benefit of patients and society.

"By combining state-of-the-art technologies and extensive clinical expertise, the research team will define the functions and physiological roles of PCSK9 in relation to risk, manifestations and management of cardiovascular disease," adds Dr. Seidah.

"The knowledge generated by this project will have an immense impact on the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and will be highly valuable to develop new therapeutic approaches," says Dr. David Tancredi, Fondation Leducq's Scientific Director. "The Fondation Leducq is therefore proud to support this project and participate, along with this team of experienced researchers, in the advancement of knowledge in this field."

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the single leading cause of death worldwide, with annual deaths expected to reach 23.3 million by 2030.

About the team
The team includes 16 basic and clinical scientists from six institutions in Canada, France and Sweden. They are keenly interested in PCSK9 and possess a unique array of complementary expertise in cardiovascular and population epidemiology, cardiovascular and metabolic phenotyping, genetics, molecular and cell biology, protein and medicinal chemistry, mass spectrometry and proteomics, generation and phenotyping of animal models, pathophysiology and translational research.

About Nabil G. Seidah
Nabil G. Seidah obtained his PhD in chemistry from Georgetown University in Washington, DC (USA). He is a Full IRCM Research Professor, Director of the Biochemical Neuroendocrinology research unit, and Director of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases research division at the IRCM. Dr. Seidah is a full research professor in the Department of Medicine (accreditation in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry departments) at the Université de Montréal. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine (Division of Experimental Medicine) at McGill University. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Precursor Proteolysis. In addition to receiving the 2011 Wilder-Penfield Prix du Québec, Dr. Seidah is also a Member of the Order of Canada, Officer of the Ordre national du Québec, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. For more information, visit www.ircm.qc.ca/seidah.

About the IRCM
Founded in 1967, the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (www.ircm.qc.ca) is currently comprised of 36 research units in various fields, namely immunity and viral infections, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, neurobiology and development, systems biology and medicinal chemistry. It also houses four specialized research clinics, eight core facilities and three research platforms with state-of-the-art equipment. The IRCM employs 425 people and is an independent institution affiliated with the Université de Montréal. The IRCM Clinic is associated to the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). The IRCM also maintains a long-standing association with McGill University. The IRCM is funded by the Quebec ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.

About the Fondation Leducq
The Fondation Leducq's (http://fondationleducq.org) mission is to improve human health through international efforts to combat cardiovascular and neurovascular disease. It promotes innovative research by forging scientific alliances that transcend national borders and promoting the education of young researchers who thrive in an international context. According to the Fondation Leducq, only an efficient use of research resources and the development of long-term collaborative relationships will allow us to continue to meet the challenge of cardiovascular and neurovascular disease in the future.

SOURCE: Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM)

For more information and to schedule an interview with Dr. Seidah, please contact:

Julie Langelier
Communications Officer (IRCM)
[email protected]
[phone]

Lucette Thériault
Communications Director (IRCM)
[email protected]
[phone]