A recent study led by Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva at UHN’s KITE Research Institute sheds light on the often-overlooked gender differences in community reintegration following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Occupational Therapy students Lulu (Guangjia) Lian and Rachel Coupland from the University of Toronto conducted the study as part of their research course placement, exploring the lived experiences of 42 adults recovering from mild to severe TBI and focusing on how gender influences challenges at home, work, and in social settings.
The study uncovered three major themes that highlight the challenges faced by individuals recovering from TBI. First, the absence of a “graduated home plan” left many struggling with gendered roles and responsibilities at home. Men frequently expressed frustration over their inability to fulfil household and parenting duties, while women often found creative ways to adapt and continue performing such tasks, despite their limitations.
Second, participants described feeling overwhelmed at work, with one person sharing the sentiment, “It’s something that I can’t handle.” Women, in particular, felt they couldn’t meet occupational expectations, while men noted a reduced productive capacity.
Lastly, the emotional toll of TBI came through in the theme “slipping away,” as many felt disconnected from their social circles and their own selves, grappling with the strain on personal relationships and changes in self-identity. Women highlighted struggles with maintaining social activities, while men often avoided them altogether, fearing stigma or shame.
Dr. Mollayeva and her team emphasize the need for health care providers to address these unique obstacles to help patients regain their sense of identity and find a smoother path back into their communities. To do so, rehabilitation must extend beyond addressing physical impairments and consider the disruption of gender roles, relationships, and identities.
"The importance of this work becomes evident in one patient's experience, who said: ‘I felt like I was slowly slipping away, no longer at work, not exercising, and my entire routine reduced to just staying at home, waiting for others to return,’" explains Dr. Mollayeva. This research paves the way for tailored strategies that improve quality of life, empowering health care providers to design more inclusive, person-centred programs that promote equitable recovery.
This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)’s Institute of Gender and Health, Canada Research Chairs Programs, the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Society UK Pilot Award for Global Brain Health Leaders and UHN Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva is a Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network. She is also an Assistant Professor at the faculties of Rehabilitation Sciences and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mollayeva is a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Neurological Disorders and Brain Health.
Lian L, Coupland R, Tylinski Sant'Ana T, Colantonio A, Mollayeva T. Community Integration Challenges of Men and Women After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences Through a Gender Lens. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000994. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39115412.
Welcome to the latest issue of Research Spotlight.
As Canada’s largest research hospital, UHN is a national and international source for discovery, education, and patient care. This newsletter highlights top research advancements from over 5000 members of TeamUHN—a diverse group of trainees, staff, and principal investigators who conduct research at UHN.
Stories in this month’s issue:
● Improving Pneumonia Outcomes: Researchers identify a way to predict disease severity in children hospitalized with pneumonia.
● Advancing Heart Stem Cell Therapy: UHN is exploring gene editing to enhance the safety of stem cell heart treatments.
● Preparing for a Digital Future: Examining how medical schools are preparing for digital health transformation.
● Decoding the Spread of Lung Cancer: Study uncovers RNA changes driving adenocarcinoma, revealing new paths for targeted treatments.
Read these stories and more online here. To read previous issues, see the newsletter archive.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about the various forms of blood cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. It also provides an opportunity to educate the public about the cutting-edge research that brings hope for more effective treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM), one of the world's top cancer research institutions, leads research across various fields. Dr. Robert Kridel, a Clinician Scientist at PM, and his team focus on lymphoma, which is a common cancer affecting around 12,000 Canadians each year.
As a testament to Dr. Kridel’s dedication to understanding this disease, he recently achieved a remarkable feat, publishing three papers as senior author in the span of 24 hours. These studies, built on years of collaboration within UHN and beyond, reflect the significant progress being made in lymphoma research.
“Lymphomas are a type of blood cancer that affect the lymphatic system, a crucial part of the immune system. It happens when lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell—grow uncontrollably, forming tumours,” explains Dr. Kridel. “Lymphomas are a diverse group of diseases, making treatment challenging because each type can be very different. Some are aggressive but treatable, while others are slow growing but incurable.”
Dr. Kridel’s research centres on understanding this diversity of lymphoma. “We study lymphoma’s diversity to predict how patients will respond to treatment,” says Dr. Kridel. “We are also working on new therapies that precisely target lymphoma cells.”
In the first of their three studies, Dr. Kridel’s team, including first author and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Michael He, investigated an approach to treat lymphomas in patients with a specific gene mutation. Past research showed that blocking the enzyme HDAC3 can be effective against these lymphomas; however, tumours lacking this mutation show resistance to the treatment. The team found that turning off a gene called GNAS makes resistant lymphoma cells more sensitive to HDAC3 inhibitors, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
The second study, led by Dr. Kridel and first author Victoria Shelton, a computational biologist in his lab, examined why follicular lymphoma varies so much in symptoms and patient outcomes. Using a statistical model to analyze genetic differences in tumour samples from 713 patients, the researchers identified five distinct genetic subtypes, each with unique mutations. These subtypes were linked to specific clinical features, such as disease stage and treatment response, which may help guide treatment decisions.
In their third study, Dr. Kridel’s team, including first author Dr. Samantha Hershenfeld, a hematology fellow, analyzed gene mutations in 117 patients to see if they could predict how well radiotherapy treatment would work for early-stage follicular lymphoma. The findings suggest that gene mutations did not predict patient outcomes and that other biomarkers, such as those derived from the tumour microenvironment, may be better indicators.
“I am incredibly proud of the team,” concludes Dr. Kridel. “They have worked tirelessly to bring these studies to fruition. Science is a team sport, and I want to give credit to everyone in my lab who made this possible.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Kridel's work in lymphoma research and why it matters.
Dr. Kridel discusses his research on lymphoma.
These studies were supported by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (US), the Canadian Cancer Society, the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Lymphoma Research Foundation, and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Robert Kridel is an Associate Professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
He MY, Tong KI, Liu T, Whittaker Hawkins R, Shelton V, Zeng Y, Bakhtiari M, Xiao Y, Zheng G, Sakhdari A, Yang L, Xu W, Brooks DG, Laister RC, He HH, Kridel R. GNAS knockout potentiates HDAC3 inhibition through viral mimicry-related interferon responses in lymphoma. Leukemia. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1038/s41375-024-02325-4.
Shelton V, Detroja R, Liu T, Isaev K, Silva A, Passerini V, Bakhtiari M, Calvente L, Hong M, He MY, Modi S, Hershenfeld SA, Ludvigsen M, Madsen C, Hamilton-Dutoit S, d'Amore FA, Brodtkorb M, Johnson NA, Baetz T, LeBrun D, Tobin JWD, Gandhi MK, Mungall AJ, Xu W, Ben-Neriah S, Steidl C, Delabie J, Tremblay-LeMay R, Jegede O, Weigert O, Kahl B, Evens AM, Kridel R. Identification of genetic subtypes in follicular lymphoma. Blood Cancer J. 2024 Aug 7;14(1):128. doi: 10.1038/s41408-024-01111-w.
Hershenfeld SA, Tobin JWD, Shelton V, Calvente L, Lajkosz K, Liu T, Brodtkorb M, d'Amore FA, Ludvigsen M, Baetz T, LeBrun D, Johnson N, Crump M, Hong M, Kuruvilla J, Tremblay-LeMay R, MacManus M, Tsang R, Hodgson DC, Gandhi MK, Kridel R. Single gene mutations and prognosis in limited-stage follicular lymphoma treated with radiation therapy. Br J Haematol. 2024 Aug 7. doi: 10.1111/bjh.19698.
Recent research from a joint effort between the teams of Dr. Phyllis Billia, Senior Scientist at Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), Dr. Harry Rakowski, Clinician Investigator, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM), Dr. John Dick, Senior Scientist at PM and Dr. Sagi Abelso, Scientist at Ontario Institute in Cancer Research, has uncovered critical links between genetic mutations and cardiovascular events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
HCM is an inherited disorder marked by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, affecting about 1 in 500 individuals. While the condition is primarily genetic, its impact varies widely among patients. The study delved into the phenomenon of clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a condition in which blood stem cells acquire genetic mutations, and its connection to major adverse cardiovascular events.
This research examined 799 HCM patients and revealed that 22.9% carried CH mutations. The team found that these patients were more likely to experience severe symptoms and worse outcomes, such as heart failure, strokes, or even the need for a heart transplant. The most affected patients carried mutations in genes like DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1, significantly increasing their risk.
This breakthrough highlights the importance of collaboration within UHN’s research ecosystem. By combining expertise in cardiology and cancer research, the study showcases how partnerships between scientists can lead to critical discoveries that improve patient outcomes.
This multidisciplinary research approach not only deepens our understanding of complex diseases but also paves the way for future innovations in health care. The findings from this research emphasize the need for early screening and personalized treatments for at-risk heart patients.
This work was supported by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Innovation Fund and UHN Foundation. For additional disclosures, read the publication.
Dr. Phyllis Billia is a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), director of research for the Peter Munk Cardiac Center and the Ted Rogers and Family Chair in Heart Function, University Health Network. She is also an associate professor at the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, the Medical Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program, and the Co-Director of the Peter Munk Cardiovascular Biobank.
Dr. John Dick is a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a professor at the Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto. He is also the Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Biology.
Dr. Harry Rakowski is a Clinician Investigator, Peter Munk Cardiac Center, University Health Network.
Dr. Sagi Abelson is a Principal Investigator at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and an assistant professor at the Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto.
Dr. Fernando Scholari, postdoctoral researcher at UHN, was first author of this study.
Scolari FL, Brahmbhatt D, Abelson S, Lee D, Kim RH, Pedarzadeh A, Sakhnini A, Adler A, Chan RH, Dick JE, Rakowski H, Billia F. Clonal haematopoiesis is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Eur J Heart Fail. 2024 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.3408. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39091134.
UHN’s Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program recently celebrated the achievements of its students at the highly anticipated Research Day, hosted at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower. This annual event is the culmination of the STAR Program, a comprehensive summer research initiative organized by UHN’s Office of Research Trainees (ORT).
The STAR program offers summer students, mostly in their undergraduate studies, an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research across UHN's renowned institutes. Beyond hands-on research, participants attended professional development sessions focused on essential skills like research design, literature review, time management, networking, and career exploration in science and health care.
At this year’s Research Day, 91 students presented their research through in-person poster presentations, while 36 others showcased their work via VoiceThread, a virtual presentation platform. These presentations highlighted a wide range of projects, from novel cancer treatments to advancements in medical technologies.
The event also welcomed participants from UHN’s Pathway to Research Program, which aims to support first-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds in securing summer research positions. Eleven students from this new initiative were among the presenters.
A panel of judges recognized the most outstanding posters, with awards going to in-person presenters Shailly Prajapati, Alexandria Mansfield, Maria Sajan, Anchal Badwal, and Neil Lin. Virtual poster awards were given to Jessica Sun and Ryan Getty.
In total, 105 students completed the STAR program, marking a successful summer of growth, innovation, and community building within UHN's vibrant research environment.
I am a postdoctoral researcher at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and my work is focused on studying the formation and metastasis of high-grade ovarian cancer. In parallel, I am investigating the role of the MAP kinase scaffold protein KSR1 in regulating mTORC1 signaling within Ras- and PI3K-driven cancers to understand its potential as a therapeutic target.
I have been in this role at UHN for over a year. I completed my PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology at Institut Curie in Paris in 2022, where I focused on how changes in organelle organization contribute to tumour development. My research uncovered how the positioning of lysosomes, controlled by the transcription factor TFEB, plays a key role in aggressive bladder cancer.
I am deeply passionate about cancer research, particularly in understanding the complexities of disease progression. My motivation lies in contributing to solutions that address the most challenging aspects of patient care and treatment. I believe health care research should focus on tackling these pressing issues while advancing scientific knowledge. By enhancing our understanding of cancer and related health care burdens, I hope to make a meaningful impact in improving patient outcomes and offering innovative approaches to overcoming the obstacles faced in treatment.
My research supports UHN’s vision by advancing cancer biology and contributing to new therapeutic approaches. By exploring molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, it aligns with UHN’s mission to translate scientific discoveries into impactful treatments, driving innovation in patient care and addressing key health care challenges.
UHN is an excellent place for research due to its strong commitment to translational science, collaborative environment, integration of research with clinical care, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. UHN also emphasizes innovation, and interdisciplinary work, and has a robust infrastructure that supports the journey from basic science to clinical application, helping to advance health care outcomes and treatments.
I enjoy playing the keyboard and reading during my free time.
The future of health research is incredibly promising, especially with advancements in personalized medicine and emerging technologies. I am excited by ongoing research to develop tailored therapies that improve patient outcomes and by the opportunity to translate lab discoveries into clinical practice, making treatments more effective and addressing complex diseases like cancer with a deeper understanding of their mechanisms.
How to Participate in You @TeamUHN
You @TeamUHN is a campaign to highlight the important scientific contributions that research lab staff, trainees and learners, administrative staff, core facilities staff, Research Solutions & Services staff, and volunteers make towards A Healthier World through discovery and innovation. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we invite you to complete this form here (Open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).
I am a postdoctoral researcher at Dr. Catriona Steele‘s Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Lab at the KITE Research Institute. Our lab focuses on understanding feeding and swallowing difficulties in children and adults. My work specifically uses videofluoroscopy to study swallowing, which essentially uses a video X-ray to visualize how food is transferred into the intestines.
I joined the KITE Research Institute in January of 2023 and was previously a university lecturer and speech-language pathologist in Sri Lanka.
My role at UHN as a postdoctoral researcher has allowed me to work with so many wonderful people from various cultural and socio-demographic backgrounds. I get to engage with fellow researchers and trainees at different phases in their professional journey and share our diverse experiences. I am fortunate to have found such an enriching and positive work culture.
My purpose as a researcher is to find answers to clinical questions to improve care for individuals with swallowing disorders. UHN’s vision of A Healthier World aligns with my aim of improving evidence-based health care. My work is about offering the best we have for our children and ensuring that our adult populations continue to thrive with improved health care for all.
As health care researchers, it is our responsibility to find avenues to promote accessible health care systems for everyone and equip our clinicians to offer optimal care for people—ultimately, enabling a better quality of life.
The research standards maintained by UHN are world-renowned and I am very proud to call myself a UHN team member. KITE Research Institute is a state-of-the-art rehabilitation institute offering innovative technology to support high-quality research and improve health care globally.
It is exciting to see people become more conscious about the importance of scientific evidence and bring more attention to health research in the community, media, and policymaking. As a researcher from Sri Lanka, I have worked and learned in various socio-cultural settings and contexts. I have observed that inter-disciplinary research collaborations are most beneficial to optimizing research capacity. I am very excited to see these types of collaboration increase and look forward to better platforms for health research in Canada and worldwide.
Outside of work, I am very interested in cooking meals from different cuisines and baking. I also love watching cricket, which is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka and a big part of our culture. If I am spending time outside, my go-to place is a beach. Water adventures are my absolute favourite outdoor activity. I love swimming and kayaking, and I am a big fan of adventure sports.
How to Participate in You @TeamUHN
You @TeamUHN is a campaign to highlight the important scientific contributions that research lab staff, trainees and learners, administrative staff, core facilities staff, Research Solutions & Services staff, and volunteers make towards A Healthier World through discovery and innovation. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we invite you to complete this form here (Open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).
Research conducted at UHN's research institutes spans the full spectrum of diseases and disciplines, including cancer, cardiovascular sciences, transplantation, neural and sensory sciences, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation sciences, and community and population health.
Learn more about our institutes by clicking below:
