Funded Grants

The overarching aim of Ms Morena’s research is to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of memory processes and its interaction with stress and emotional arousal in animal models of cognition, at a cellular, circuit and behavioural level.

The high and potentially increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is taking a significant emotional and economic toll on patients, their families and Canadian society.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the result of in utero alcohol exposure and is characterized by central nervous system developmental impairments which causes lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders with distinguished early emerging behavioral disruptions (speech impairments, social communication, repetitive behaviors) and a rising rate of diagnosis to an estimated 1 in 68 children.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by social/communication deficits and repetitive behaviours.

Dr. Xie’s research focuses on the functional assessment of neuropsychiatric disease related synaptic genes – MDGA1 and 2. MDGAs bind to critical neuron synaptic proteins – Neuroglin (NLGN), disrupting the binding between NLGN and Neurexin (NRXN), so suppressing synaptogenesis.

People with dementia are at a high risk for falls which are a leading cause of injury and can contribute to loss of independence and quality of life.

The protein fragment beta-amyloid has long been a key suspect in Alzheimer’s disease.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a form of dementia which impairs the ability to understand spoken and written language but other cognitive skills (including memory) remain intact for several years after its onset.