Centre for the Care of the Brain, Spine, nerve and MuSCle • iSSue 3 • JanuarY - June 2014

MCI (P) 131/06/2014PATIENT CARE EduCATIoN RESEARCH

Safer CT Scans for Patientspage 6

6th Singapore International Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Symposium page 9

NNI Research at a GlancePages 11-20

InsIde ReseaRch

InsIde ReseaRch

Delving deeper into the heart of the research network

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AdvisorsProf Lee Wei LingAssoc Prof Francis HuiAssoc Prof Ng Wai HoeAssoc Prof Au Wing LokAssoc Prof Sitoh Yih YianProf Tan Eng KingAssoc Prof Deidre Anne De SilvaMr Steven Sobak

Acknowledgements Dr Carol TangAssoc Prof Christopher Ang Beng TiAssoc Prof Lim Kah LeongAssoc Prof Louis TanDr Ivy HoDr Liao PingDr Ng Chee HoeDr Nagaendran KandiahDr Shahul HameedDr Simon TingDr Yu Wai-YungDr Zeng LiDr Zoë BichlerChan Wai YeeEmily AngHo Thye Sin

Editorial TeamChristina WeeCynthia Anne Victor

AddressNeus-link c/o Corporate CommunicationsNational Neuroscience Institute11 Jalan Tan Tock SengSingapore 308433Tel: (65) 6357 7153 Fax: (65) 6256 4755Email: NNI-CorporateCommunications@nni.com.sgWebsite: http://www.nni.com.sg

01 Elevating Research to Greater Heights03 Excellence with Honours03 When Hope Inspires04 Going Hand-in-Hand05 Understanding Parkinson for Better

Outcomes06 The Safest CT Scan Possible for Patients 07 Sharing Our Knowledge Across the Region08 10th Asian Australasian Advanced Course in

Paediatric Neurosurgery08 The 1st NNI-SINAPSE Symposium09 6th Singapore International Parkinson’s

Disease and Movement Disorders Symposium

10 NNI Community Care Partners Programme (CCPP) Certification Ceremony

11 NNI Research at a Glance13 Sharing a Common Goal in Research14 Formation of the National Neuroscience

Research Institute Singapore15 Understanding Clinical Research at NNI

17 Unravelling Discoveries through Basic / Translational Research

21 Upcoming Events22 Events Calendar

In ThIs IssuE

Elevating

Greater Heights

Research

ACAdEMICMEDICINE

As a dynamic and integrative scientific field, neuroscience thrives with the help of many diverse and important disciplines. With research in the mix, remarkable achievements can be made from medical breakthroughs to higher standards in patient care. to realise research ambitions, institutions such as the national neuroscience institute (nni) aim to boost academic knowledge and expertise. professor tan Eng King, director of Research at nni, speaks to neuslink about the vision and achievements of nni’s Research division.

to

ACAdEMICMEDICINE

What is your vision of NNI Research?Research should not be perceived as an independent entity. As a clinical and academic institution, our focus has always been to provide excellent quality care to our patients. Research is part of this process where we constantly evaluate ways and means to address academic questions and look for solutions to deliver our services better for our patients. In this context, NNI’s Research department aims to develop highly competitive programmes to complement our clinical services and educational initiatives.

With limited resources, our strategy for large programmes focuses primarily on diseases that are prevalent and concern Singaporeans, along with selected niche areas where we have a competitive advantage based on infrastructure, manpower and clinical expertise. These flagship programmes are in the areas of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumours. In addition, the application of innovative medical devices will be core to many of our translational initiatives. For smaller niche areas, we focus on nurturing our talents and developing collaborative expertise and platforms with many other clinical and research institutions.

how is nni research different from others?Fundamentally, we are no different as we aim to be academic leaders in neuroscience. We strive to be at the cutting edge of research and to break new grounds for others to follow. However, the “Heart” and “Ethos” that drive NNI Research differentiate us from others. We do our research with a “Heart” and an “Ethos” that focuses on the key essentials of the human spirit.

Scientific publications and individual achievements of our researchers and doctors, while relevant, are not our top priority. The bedrock of NNI Research is team spirit and trust. This has been reflected in our selection process, where we choose and embed individuals with different expertise but one same vision as a team. We may not have Nobel prize winners in our midst right now, but we believe we have the right people, who strive and work well together, with equal opportunity for everyone.

please share the most challenging times faced by nni research.We faced a trying time when NNI did not receive the NMRC centre grant in 2008. However, we never gave up on believing in ourselves, therefore we encouraged, recruited and continued to develop young staff and adopted a never-give-up approach. The Director of NNI, Professor Lee Wei Ling, gave her wholehearted support with the endowment funds. In addition, our team spirit was a key factor in overcoming many of the obstacles.

What are nni’s research

achievements?Despite financial challenges at

one stage, NNI eventually secured more than S$50 million in research funds in the past few years. We have done extremely well to arrive at where we are today. Developing our young local talents has been one of our biggest achievements. During this period, we have secured more than 10 awards for new investigators and young clinician scientists and researchers.

Many of our research initiatives have led to a better understanding of diseases, improvement in disease detection and monitoring, and changes in therapeutic approaches. The reputation of NNI as an international centre for neuroscience research has been greatly enhanced with our programmes getting international accreditation, and having our staff seen as thought leaders in their field. The recent formation of the National Neuroscience Research Institute Singapore (a joint effort between NNI and Duke-NUS) and the Academic Neuroscience Centre will further propel us towards the forefront of Neuroscience Academia. We have every reason to be optimistic that we can provide even better care for our patients in the years to come.

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inspirational patientMdm Foo Yip Mun is truly an inspiration to doctors, nurses, allied health personnel and patients alike; and it was only fitting for her to receive the Inspirational Patient Award. Suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), she is dependent on her caregivers for all of her movements and needs. However, her condition does not deter her from bearing a heart-warming smile, and motivating others with a positive attitude. An iconic role model in the Motor Neuron Support Group, Mdm Foo gives hope to other patients and their family members. She believes that despite a severe disability, life can be wonderful and meaningful.

PATIENTCARE

When Hope Inspires

NNI is proud to congratulate its dedicated award recipients of the Singapore Health Quality Service Award 2014. They were among 2,727 healthcare professionals from 17 institutions who were honoured for their outstanding contributions at the annual Singapore Health Quality Service Award Ceremony, held on 14 January 2014. Organised by SingHealth, the Award is Singapore’s first dedicated platform that recognises healthcare professionals who are committed towards delivering quality care and excellent service to patients.

Excellence with Honours

The SingHealth Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award paid tribute to 16 patients and 17 caregivers this year for their exemplary courage, resilience, and strength.

inspirational CaregiverAfter losing her husband to a motor neuron disease in 2009, Mdm Pauline Goh channelled her grief towards helping others, while looking after her two children, by joining the Motor Neuron Disease Support Group at NNI. Meeting together once every three months, Mdm Goh shares her experiences with patients and fellow caregivers so that they can cope with the challenges of the disease and be motivated to live with optimism. For being a strong and compassionate pillar of support, Mdm Goh was given the Inspirational Caregiver Award in the presence of her two children.

Winners from NNI, Ms Yeo Siok Ling, Neuroscience Clinics (First from Left), Ms Phua Ziqun, Neurodiagnostic Lab (Second from Left), Ms Siti Sabariah, Department of Neuroradiology (Third from Right), Ms Priscilla Tan Siew Sin, Neuroscience Clinics (Second from Right), and Ms Jimenez Regina Ayunga, Neuroscience Clinics (First from Right).

Standing with the winners are Associate Professor Benjamin Ong, Director of Medical Services, MOH (Third from Left), Mr Steven Sobak, Chief Operating Officer, NNI (Fourth from Left), and Ms Kok Yeun Woon, Operations & Quality Management, NNI (Fourth from Right).

Mdm Pauline Goh (centre, with her sons), winner of the Inspirational Caregiver Award.

Mdm Foo Yip Mun (seated), winner of the Inspirational Patient Award.

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Going Hand-in-Hand

A support group can offer hope and much-needed emotional support, not only to a patient, but also to his or her family members as they go through the crisis of an illness together. Such is the case of the Brain Tumour Society (BTS), formerly known as the Brain Tumour Support Group; which has helped a patient, Ms Cammie Tan, on her road to recovery. She shares, “Once diagnosed, most patients and their family can be saddened by the unexpected news. Depending on the type of brain tumour diagnosed, the journey with the patient can be very difficult to deal with.”

Support groups play several roles in patients’ lives, including providing moral and resource support and education. They also encourage patients to acquire better information, welfare, medical treatment and care while raising public awareness. Ms Tan recalls: “I was close to giving up during my six-month stay in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). From an optimistic patient, I had become very depressed as I only saw a slight improvement in myself after the operative treatments, and had little hope of going back home.”

Four months after the diagnosis, Ms Tan was recommended by Nurse Clinician, Ms Emily Ang, to speak to a few members

from the Brain Tumour Support Group for advice. Through the group, Ms Tan met some survivors, who gave her the hope of surviving through the crisis. She remarks, “The presence of hope can indeed be a strong force in a patient’s journey towards recovery.”

Ms Tan also recalls the help and support of the nurses at NNI, “During my first month’s stay, I was very temperamental as I tried to come to terms with my illness. The nurses who took care of me were very kind and patient as they cared for me and even my daily grooming. They narrated interesting stories, sang cheerful songs, and joked with me to make my stay enjoyable.” Now, a fully recovered Ms Tan continues to participate in the support group’s activities as much as possible, passing on the hope she received onto others. She says, “When it comes to giving back to society, most people wait until they retire or stop working. I think the best time to start is now.”

The BTS meets every second Saturdayon even months at the Singapore General Hospital, Neurosurgery Ward 52B, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

PATIENTCARE

dementia Support GroupCare programme

Neuroscience Clinic, Level 1National Neuroscience Institute

Telephone: 6357 7033 Facsimile: 6358 1259

Email: nni_enquiry@nni.com.sg

head injury Support GroupNational Neuroscience Institute

Telephone: 6357 7623Facsimile: 6256 4755

Email: nni_enquiry@nni.com.sg

Motor neuron disease Support GroupNeuroscience Clinic, Level 1

National Neuroscience Institute Email: nni_enquiry@nni.com.sg

parkinson disease Support Groupc/o department of neurology, ttSh Campus

Neuroscience Clinic, Level 1National Neuroscience Institute

Telephone: 6357 7138Facsimile: 6256 4755

Email: nni_enquiry@nni.com.sg

parkinson disease Support Groupc/o department of neurology, SGh Campus

Medical Student Centre, Block 1 Level 3,Singapore General Hospital

Telephone: 9295 3331 (Nurse Usanee)Email: neurocare@sgh.com.sg

other affiliations

Brain tumour SocietyNeurosurgery Ward 52B, Block 5, Level 2

Singapore General HospitalWebsite: http://braintumoursociety.org.sg/btss

Muscular dystrophy association (Singapore)9 Bishan Place #06-01, Junction 8

Website: www.mdas.org.sg

parkinson Society of SingaporeBlock 191, Bishan Street 13, #01-415

Singapore 670191Website: www.parkinsonsingapore.com

Singapore epilepsy foundation149 Rochor Road, #04-07 Fu Lu Shou Complex

Singapore 188425Website: www.epilepsy.com.sg

Singapore national Stroke association26 Dunearn Road, Singapore 309423

Website: www.snsa.org.sg

the headache Society of Singapore6 Temasek Boulevard, #06-01

Suntec Tower Four, Singapore 038986

the pain association of Singaporec/o department of palliative Medicine

National Cancer Centre Singapore11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610

Website: www.pain.org.sg

new pillar of SupportThe latest addition to NNI’s Support Groups, the Head Injury Support Group aims to be a source of knowledge and comfort for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

Facilitated by nurse clinicians, therapists, medical social workers, and even former patients, the support group encourages participants to speak with confidence, post questions as well as share experiences with one another.

The Head Injury Support Group sessions will be held at the NNI on a regular basis. To find out more, please speak to a Patient Services Associate at 6357 7623, or drop an email to nni_enquiry@nni.com.sg.

Support GroupS @ NNI

The Brain Tumour Society hosted its maiden fundraising event this year and was attended by the doctors, neurosurgeons, nurses and volunteers from the BTS.

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Organised in conjunction with World Parkinson’s Day, the Parkinson Disease Public Forum saw more than 200 participants benefitting from its insightful topics on 12 April 2014. Conducted concurrently in English and Mandarin, the event comprised sessions by specialists from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), who spoke about managing the chronic and progressive disease with treatment options. There is indeed a pressing need for participants to understand and better control the symptoms of Parkinson Disease (PD), as it is one of the most common nervous system disorders in Singapore and around the world.

The topics covered at the forum highlighted the overall aim of the treatments, which was to control the symptoms of the brain disorder that incapacitates the elderly with movement difficulties.

Speaking about ‘Understanding and Controlling Parkinson Disease’ was Dr Prakash Kumar, Senior Consultant and Neurologist from NNI. Part of the panel of speakers from Singapore General Hospital included Speech Therapist Ms Rachel Chia, who enlightened attendees with her talk, ‘Understanding Changes to Speech and Swallowing’, and Physiotherapist Ms Shaminian Balakrishnan, who shared some exercise and coping strategies to alleviate symptoms.

The successfully concluded public forum was jointly organised by NNI, SGH and the Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS).

PATIENTCARE

Understanding

forParkinsonBetterOutcomes

There is indeed a pressing need for participants to understand and better

control the symptoms of PD, as it is one of the most common nervous system disorders in Singapore and around the world.

about World parkinson’s dayWorld Parkinson’s Day is an annual event that is held on April 11. With April being a Parkinson’s Awareness Month, individuals all over the world conduct

fundraisers and host awareness campaigns to educate the general public about PD, and advocate support for various causes that may assist patients,

as well as their families and caregivers. In line with these activities, NNI organises the Parkinson Disease Public Forum every year to reach out to the Parkinson community with much needed advice on managing the condition.

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Whether it is for injury, illness or regular checkups, the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) scans close to 1,000 patients every month. Choosing radiation exposure as a focus, a team from the institute’s Department of Neuroradiology, comprising Dr Yu Wai-Yung, Senior Consultant, Mr Ho Thye Sin, Principal Radiographer (CT), and Ms Chan Wai Yee, Nurse Manager, sought to establish the lowest possible radiation dose in CT scans without compromising diagnosis.

Looking at three types of scans — CT brain, cranial CT angiogram (CTA) and CT brain perfusion (CTP), the team collected a large data pool of more than 1,000 patients. Through small and gradual changes backed by the approval of NNI’s radiologists, the effective radiation dose was lowered until

it eventually reached an optimal balance between dosage and image quality.

Dr Yu shares, “It was a fine line between lowering the dose, which provides noisier images, and not missing an important diagnosis. In the end, we reached an optimal outcome that ensured the safest possible environment for our patients.”

With their Quality Improvement project as part of the Enhancing Performance, Improving Care (EPIC) initiative by SingHealth, the team reduced the effective radiation dose for CT head scans by 28 per cent; CTA scans by 11.6 per cent; and CTP scans by 30 per cent without comprising diagnostic image quality.

Since the project ended in September 2012,

the institute has been successfully using the new lower levels of radiation: 1.29 mSv for CT head, 3.18 mSv for CTA and 2.76 mSv for CTP.

Dr Yu says, “While the long-term radiation risks of CT scans are already very low, we strived to establish and implement the lowest dose possible within our department for our patients.”

While the project is specific to the department, Dr Yu and team are optimistic that their outcome could be replicated in other departments that use similar equipment. Although the parameters may not be translatable, the project has shown that small but significant measures can be taken to improve the quality of healthcare in a relatively short span of time.

Safest CT Scan Possible

PATIENTCARE

The

for Patients

The team from NNI’s Department of Neuroradiology, comprising Dr Yu Wai-Yung, Senior Consultant (left), Mr Ho Thye Sin, Principal Radiographer - CT (centre), and Ms Chan Wai Yee, Nurse Manager (right), established the lowest possible radiation dose in CT scans without

compromising diagnosis.

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EduCATION

Basic neuroscience Chapter, Malaysian Society of neurosciences, Kuala lumpur, MalaysiaCommittee members from the Basic Neuroscience Chapter (BNC), under the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences (MSN), visited NNI on 12 June 2014. Led by Dr Thilakavathy Karuppiah from Universiti Putra Malaysia, the neuroscientists met with NNI’s researchers to discuss possible collaborations. Hosting the visit was Associate Professor Lim Kah Leong, Assistant Director of Research at NNI. Through this experience, the researchers were confident of pursuing regional collaborations to develop neuroscience research efforts in Malaysia.

Sharing Our Knowledge Across the Region

Mahidol university and Sriraj hospital,Bangkok, thailandIn April this year, over 20 Thai delegates from the Mahidol University and Siriraj Hospital visited NNI as part of the Temasek Foundation - Tan Tock Seng Hospital Nursing Specialists Programme on Neurology Nursing. Jointly organised by NNI and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and supported by the Temasek Foundation, the 10-day programme was a platform for the visitors and local nurses to exchange knowledge, skills and practices that concerned patients suffering from neurological movement disorders.

GnrC hospitals, Guwahati, assam, indiaDr Nomal Chandra Borah, Chairman of the GNRC Hospitals, and his staff visited NNI on 21 March 2014 as part of their learning journey. With the intention of setting up a medical school in India, Dr Borah and his staff set out to gather more information about the practices and advancements in neurology across SingHealth’s institutions. Also a renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Borah explained that acquiring a wealth of knowledge from this visit would be advantageous for his goal and was determined to share his experience back in Guwahati.

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The 10th Anniversary Cycle of the AAACPN took place this year at the Aloha Resorts in Singapore, from 7 to 9 January. The three-day interactive programme was attended by the most experienced and renowned paediatric neurosurgeons from Asia, Australia, Europe, and the USA, to educate aspiring and future paediatric neurosurgeons with world-class and up-to-date knowledge in the paediatric neurosurgery field.

The AAACPN was organised by Associate Professor Seow Wan Tew, a Senior Consultant at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI). He also serves as a paediatric neurosurgeon at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), where he sees young patients afflicted with neurosurgical conditions. Prof Seow sees the AAACPN as a training ground for neurosurgeons to advance in their profession, in order to cater to the increasing demand of children with neurological conditions.

This year’s course took a different approach from its usual traditional teaching cycle of educational lectures and hands-on

workshops, and focused on debate and discussion of the controversial issues that remain a challenge to most paediatric neurosurgeons. In addition to discussions with the lecturers, participants also socialised and established new friendships with fellow enthusiasts.

The AAACPN is the Asian Australasian equivalent of the European Course in

Paediatric Neurosurgery, successfully held for over 20 years by the European Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery. Since its inception in Cairns, Australia in 2004, the AAACPN has shared valuable knowledge on various neurosurgical diseases that affect children and surgical techniques via hands-on training and video-discussion sessions. For more information, please visit www.aaacpn.com.

A joint collaboration between the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), the inaugural NNI-SINAPSE Symposium was held on 16 May 2014. The aim of the event was to be a platform for the exchange of research ideas between clinicians, scientists, and engineers for the promotion of translational neuroscience research.

Along with distinguished partners from SINAPSE, NNI’s specialists shared their insights with attendees; they included Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, along with Dr Shree Kumar

Dinesh, Consultant, Dr David Low, Consultant, and Dr Ling Ji Min, Registrar, all from the Department of Neurosurgery. They were joined by Dr Zeng Li, Principal Investigator and Senior Research Scientist from the Stem Cell Research Laboratory at NNI.

The NNI-SINAPSE Symposium is one of the strong collaborations that NNI holds key in leading its academic neuroscience initiatives and developing a pool of medical and research talent. With this, NNI can confidently move closer to its goals – to achieve vital research discoveries and improve patient care.

EduCATION

A sian ustralasian dvanced Course in

Paediatric Neurosurgery (AAACPN)

The st NNI-SINAPSE Symposium

Pediatric neurosurgeons and participants gathered at the 10th AAACPN to share valuable knowledge and encourage further education in the field.

Professor Nitish Thakor, Director of SINAPSE, with Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Deputy Director, NNI; Head, Dept. of Neurosurgery, NNI-TTSH Campus.

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The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) organised its 6th Singapore International Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Symposium (PDMDS), held from 4 to 5 April 2014 at the Academia with a total of 370 participants, including more than 300 delegates from over 10 countries, 51 faculty members and 22 associates.

The first day’s proceedings included opening addresses by Associate Professor Louis Tan, Symposium Chairman (NNI), Professor Lee Wei Ling, Director (NNI), and the Guest-of-Honour, Associate Professor Benjamin Ong, Director of Medical Services from the Ministry of Health.

In his opening address, Prof Louis Tan took the opportunity to state NNI’s position on the use of stem cells for the treatment of PD, “NNI would like to affirm that the institute fully supports and is actively

involved in research of cell-based therapies, as it recognises that there is much to be done in this important area.”

However, he added that a cautious approach is needed: “Until

such treatments are proven to be of benefit and published in recognised scientific journals that objectively scrutinise their procedures, we encourage the medical community and patients to support and participate only in cell therapy studies that are part of a research program affiliated with a recognised academic institution.”

The topic of clinical translation therapies was also a key focus of the symposium, of which Professor Tan Eng King, Director ofResearch, NNI, and Associate ProfessorLim Kah Leong, Assistant Director of Research, NNI, were on hand to share about their research programme. Recently awarded a S$25 million Translational & Clinical Research Flagship Programme Grant by the National Medical Research Council, the research programme aims to reduce the economic burden of PD through identifying markers that can facilitate early diagnosis, disease monitoring and the development of individualised treatment.

Across the two-day event, prominent speakers and participants arrived from countries as far as China, Japan, Australia, Canada and Israel to provide their valuable insights at the multiple plenary sessions, parallel sessions, workshops and video presentations.

6th Singapore International Parkinson’s

Disease and Movement Disorders Symposium

EduCATION

reaching out with the best clinical careWell known as a Senior Consultant in NNI’s Department of Neurology, Prof Louis Tan advocates for the best clinical care to those who suffer from PD, through his role as the Chairman of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society’s Asian Oceanian Section (MDS-AOS). Over the past year, a large number of outreach programmes and courses have been organised by the MDS-AOS to benefit 2,350 participants from the Asian region.

Prof Tan believes that all clinical and research professionals should be equipped with the best academic knowledge in addition to their skills and talent, as they are the key towards improved diagnosis and treatment for patients. He has encouraged and carried out such academic initiatives as part of NNI’s efforts to educate and train professionals and work with international relations, to advance in the fight against PD.

Together with the international faculty members on stage are Professor Tan Eng King (extreme right), Director of Research at NNI, and Symposium Chairman, Associate Professor Louis Tan (second from right). Also seen in the picture are Associate Professor Au Wing Lok (back row, second from left), Head, Dept. of Neurology, NNI and Dr Yeo Tianrong (back row, extreme left), from the Dept. of Neurology at NNI.

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NNI Community Care Partners Programme (CCPP) Certification Ceremony

EduCATION

The Community Care Partners Programme (CCPP) is Singapore’s first-ever organised outreach programme, which works towards improving the delivery of care and support to the Parkinson community. By tapping on the well-integrated network of community healthcare facilities, the CCPP ensures that the Parkinson community will continue to receive the best possible coordinated PD care at all levels of healthcare.

This year, NNI was pleased to officiallywelcome three new partners during the CCPP Certification Ceremony, on the second day of the 6th Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Symposium: AgeWell ARTSZ Medical Group, Help-Serve Homecare & Counselling Services, and Tembusu Rehab and Day Care Centre.

These new partners bring the total count of NNI-CCPP partners to 21. In addition, the certification ceremony saw the renewal of appreciation and support to existing partners, who have played a vital role in linking NNI and PD patients in the community.

The event also saw the launch of the E-manual for allied health training, a collaboration between dedicated professionals of NNI and Tan Tock Seng

Hospital. Providing course material for CCPP partners, the E-manual serves as an easily accessible and updated reference portal for the benefit of our CCPP partners.

nni-CCpp partners1. AgeWell ARTSZ Medical Group2. Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital 3. AWWA Elderly Services4. ECON Healthcare Group5. Handicaps Welfare Association6. Help-Serve Homecare & Counselling

Services7. Henderson Senior Citizens’ Home8. Home Nursing Foundation9. Metta Day Rehabilitation Centre For The

Elderly10. THK Therapy Services11. PAP Community Foundation – Tampines

East (3-in-1 Family Centre – Aged Care)12. Ren Ci Hospital 13. Society For The Physically Disabled 14. St. Andrew’s Community Hospital15. St Luke’s Hospital16. Sunshine Welfare Action Mission 17. Tembusu Rehab and Day Care Centre18. TOUCH Home Care19. TSAO Foundation 20. TP Healthcare Ltd 21. United Medicare Centre

The CCPP partners with Dr Tay Kay Yaw (extreme left) and Associate Professor Au Wing Lok (fifth from left) at the CCPP Certification Ceremony.

The E-manual for allied health training was launched by Associate Professor Au Wing Lok, Head, Dept. of Neurology, NNI, and Ms Susan Liam, Head, TTSH Allied Health.

Dr Tay Kay Yaw addresses the audience at the CCPP Certification Ceremony.

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our team, our people NNI endeavours to develop

and expand our core group of scientists and clinical investigators. We have a staff strength of more than 50 scientific researchers at both the TTSH and

SGH campuses. Many of our research staff have spent significant

time in training at renowned institutes worldwide, and continually participate in

annual overseas conferences to keep abreast of cutting-edge technologies and science. The department also engages in training graduate students, highlighting the importance of mentorship and education.

national neuroscience research institute Singapore (nnriS)The new NNRIS is a joint venture by NNI and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. The institute will consolidate expertise from the two organisations’ neuroscience research programmes, integrate resources for common use, as well as develop a new research facility for neurobehavioural experiments.

research infrastructureThe Neuroscience Research Laboratories are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to support

preclinical discovery science, including the Surgical Sciences

Training Centre that enables animal modelling studies to be conducted.

In addition, early adoption of high field 3T MRI and multi-detector CT scanners has allowed our researchers to perform applied clinical research in neurology and neurosurgery. Active areas of research include applications using MRI diffusion and diffusion tensor, perfusion, functional and spectroscopic techniques. Advanced computing and prediction modelling research is also being actively pursued to optimise information processing in the neuroscience critical care unit.

RESEARCH

our MissionAs one of the three pillars of healthcare, research at NNI aims to improve treatment and discover

cures for neurological diseases. In addition,

participation in clinical trials is a cornerstone of NNI’s research. To date, NNI Research has received more than S$60 million in competitive funding from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), Biomedical Research Council (BMRC, A*STAR), and Singapore Millennium Foundation.

NNI’s research strategy encompasses bench-to-bedside translational efforts. A key achievement this year has been the awardance of the Translational & Clinical Research Flagship Programme Grant, for studies leading to better treatment strategies and clinical outcome in Parkinson Disease (PD). This multidisciplinary programme includes scientists from various institutes working in close proximity with NNI clinicians and scientists.

Significant findings have been made in the area of early stage detection of the disease, to modelling the disease with unique cellular and animal models, with the ability to mount large-scale prospective population cohort studies and clinical trials. Such an effort capitalises on NNI’s strategic role in providing healthcare services to the majority of movement disorder patients seen locally.

partnerships and CollaborationsNNI scientists collaborate extensively with clinicians at our institute as well as with researchers from

various local and overseas institutions. Many of our scientists

hold adjunct or joint faculty appointments at local universities, including Duke-NUS and the

National University of Singapore (NUS). Importantly, our scientists and doctors share a common long-term aim in their pursuit of research excellence.

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RESEARCH

KEY FACTS & FIGURES

translational and Basic Scienceresearch laboratoriesNNI aims to unravel the molecular basis ofneurological disorders using genetics,structural, cell biological and biochemical approaches. The aim is to develop more representative pre-clinical disease models that accurately reflect the progressiveprocess, as well as the nature anddistribution of the human pathology.

18>12

> $50M339384

Number of research faculty (clinical and basic/translational)

Number of student graduates with M.Sc or Ph.D

Amount of national research funding from received till date

Number of articles published in accredited international journals – FY2009 to FY2013

Total number of trials conducted from FY2009 to FY2013 with 2,542 subjects

Number of national-level clinician scientists to date

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neuro-oncology

Head Injury

Dementia

Signatureprogrammes

Behavioural Neuroscience

Laboratory

Neural Stem Cell Research Laboratory

Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory

Calcium Signalling Laboratory

Research laboratories

Neurodegeneration Research

Laboratory

Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory

Core areas of Clinical researchNNI has established databases for many neurological diseases such as stroke, movement disorders, dementia and neuromuscular diseases, and has conducted large cross sectional community-based studies that have yielded useful prevalence data for stroke, dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson Disease (PD) and essential tremor.

• Established in 2000• Laboratories at TTSH and SGH

Campuses (Academia)• Houses six major research teams• Fully equipped, including an Animal Research

Facility that houses disease models

Stroke

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RESEARCH

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that involves a combination of various sciences. In research, behaviours of neurological conditions are better understood when various experts come together. This is why NNI maintains a keen interest in collaborating with local and international research institutions, and is continually involved in competitive research programmes to promote national and international collaboration.

At NNI, a team of dedicated clinician researchers and basic scientists work on their studies with national and international reputations in their respective fields. In terms of collaborations, they also work with researchers from various local and overseas institutions.

Sharing a Common Goal in ResearchAs NNI forms partnerships and collaborates with local and international research agencies, scientists are able to move closer towards research advancements

In educating the young minds and creating an awareness of neuroscience research and the need for young driven talent, many of the Institute’s clinician and basic science researchers hold adjunct or joint faculty appointments at local universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School (Duke-NUS). Together, they all have one and the same goal; to advance in research excellence in order to reduce the burden of diseases and improve the quality of life for patients.

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14RESEARCH

Formation of the National Neuroscience Research Institute Singapore The National Neuroscience Research Institute Singapore (NNRIS) – a joint venture by the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School – was launched in March this year.

Singapore’s largest institute specialising in neuroscience research brings together more than 200 neurologists, neuroscientists and research professionals from NNI and Duke-NUS to work in collaboration - to improve treatment and seek cures through research for brain and nervous system disorders such as stroke, Parkinson Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. In light of Singapore’s rapidly ageing population where these age-associated diseases are on the rise, the work of the NNRIS will play an integral role in helping to address the management and treatment of these neurological diseases.

The NNRIS functions with the combined expertise from the two organisations, integrated research resources for common use, and are working on developments for a new research facility for neurobehavioural experiments. These will yield a more targeted and focused approach to neurological research in Singapore. While the NNRIS focuses on fostering research collaborations and developing core facilities and resources to meet local neuroscience research needs, it will also drive collaborations with global scientists and industry players.

“The critical mass of talent and resources at the NNRIS makes it a fertile ground for scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs,” said Professor Ranga Krishnan, Dean of Duke-NUS. “Doctors and researchers across the neuroscience field can now collaborate easily to turn pertinent clinical observations into research that leads to practical solutions for patients.”

detecting dementia in its early StagesA successful NNRIS collaboration to quote is the study on refining brain imaging techniques to diagnose dementia in its early stages, led by co-principal investigators, Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, NNI, and Assistant Professor Helen Juan Zhou from the Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme at Duke-NUS.

Currently, existing brain imaging techniques have limited ability in detecting brain degeneration in its initial stages. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose dementia at an early stage. Yet, early detection and accurate prognosis of dementia are critical for medical intervention and treatment.

By integrating NNI’s clinical experience with Duke-NUS’ strengths in brain imaging studies and capabilities in gene expression in dementia, the team is exploring the use of a combination of both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to detect brain degeneration in patients with early stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment conditions.

Dr Nagaendran and Asst Prof Zhou plan to study 450 subjects using multi-modal neuroimaging methods over a three-year period. In the next phase of their research, the team is looking at a further collaboration with another Duke-NUS collaborator to look at how microstructural changes in blood vessels influence development of dementia.

The NNRIS study on refining brain imagingtechniques to diagnose dementia in its earlystages was led by co-principal investigators,(from left) Dr Nagaendran Kandiah from NNI and Assistant Professor Helen Juan Zhou from Duke-NUS.

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RESEARCH

Clinicians at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) have a long and illustrious history in clinical research. NNI has established databases for many neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson Disease (PD) and other movement disorders, dementia and neuromuscular diseases. These databases complement ongoing cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies on the prevalence, potential environmental and risk factors, and quality of life of these neurological disorders.

NNI has conducted large cross-sectional community-based studies that have yielded useful prevalence data and has also collaborated with others for large prospective cohort studies. Our doctors have also engaged in numerous neurophysiology and

functional imaging in the hope of identifying new disease biomarkers.

Particularly strong in pharmaceutical drug trials either as PI-initiated or as part of a multicentre study, NNI has participated in various phase II to IV trials in stroke, dementia, epilepsy, movement disorders, migraine, among many others, and has also set up gene banks for these conditions.

Taking advantage of the contrasting genetic history of Pan-Asian populations and the availability of the major technical platforms of high throughput sequencing and various molecular imaging techniques, NNI hopes to integrate its genetic epidemiologic studies with programmes in cellular and computational biology.

Understanding Clinical Research at NNIA model environment for the swift translation of research discoveries into clinical practices, NNI has conceived internationally competitive ‘bench-to-bedside’ programmes for clinician researchers to treat patients who suffer from neurological diseases.

neurodegenerative disordersPD is the most common neurodegenerative condition seen at NNI, therefore it is a major focus of NNI’s research. Fronting the translational clinical research in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders is Professor Tan Eng King, Senior Consultant from the Department of Neurology and Director of Research at NNI. Prof Tan and his team have worked with local and international research and clinical institutions for his research in various experiments, and they believe that their research efforts will lead to improved treatment and a better quality of life for patients.

NNI Translational & Clinical Research Team members

(from left): Associate Professor Louis Tan,

Senior Consultant from the Neurology department,

NNI; Professor Ng Huck Hui, Executive Director,

Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS); Professor

Tan Eng King, Director of Research, NNI; Professor

Shirish Shenolikar, Interim Program Director,

Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate

Medical School (Duke-NUS); and Associate

Professor Lim Kah Leong, Assistant Director of

Research, NNI.

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dementiaWith the rapidly ageing society in Singapore, the prevalence of dementia is predicted to reach epidemic proportions over the coming years. Working on clinical research for dementia from the NNI-SGH campus are Dr Shahul Hameed as well as Dr Simon Ting, Consultants from the Neurology department. Specialising in neurocognitive conditions, the clinician researchers have worked meticulously to study the various causes of dementia and find novel solutions to provide enhanced diagnoses and treatment.

From NNI’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) campus, Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, Senior Consultant in Neurology, has taken an interest in Young-onset dementia, after his studies revealed that up to 30 per cent of his patients are below the age of 65 years. From a clinician researcher’s perspective, Dr Nagaendran believes there must be a greater awareness of dementia to ensure that it can be diagnosed early. Only intervention at an early stage could make a meaningful difference to the course of dementia. Among patients with Young-onset dementia, some may have reversible causes and would need to be treated aggressively. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential for efforts to manage dementia as an epidemic.

RESEARCH

StrokeStroke takes a key focus in research at NNI with its high prevalence rate of 3-4 per cent in the older Singapore population and major physical, cognitive, psychological and social consequences. The stroke research programme spans clinical, basic science, translational and health-service related research. We are a well-established centre for industry-

supported stroke trials, participating in many multicentre clinical trials and being a leading recruiter for some of these.

On-going clinical research focuses on the patterns and risk factors of stroke among Asians, acute stroke treatments and secondary stroke prevention. There are various laboratory and animal stroke studies being conducted in collaboration between our clinicians and basic

scientists. An example of health service-related research is a study on the attitudes of doctors, patients and families of stroke patients to consent-taking for the acute clot-busting treatment for stroke. This study is led by Associate Professor Deidre De Silva, Senior Consultant from the Neurology department at NNI.

From Left: Involved in Stroke clinical research are Associate Professor Deidre Anne De Silva, Senior Consultant, and Dr Wee Chee Keong, Associate Consultant, from the Neurology department at the NNI-SGH campus.

From Left: Dr Simon Ting and Dr Shahul Hameed, Consultants from the Neurology department, NNI-SGH campus, are actively involved in Dementia clinical research.

Dr Nagaendran Kadiah (centre), Senior Consultant from the Neurology department, NNI-TTSH campus, with his Dementia clinical team.

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Selected examples of nni’s Multidisciplinary researchNNI was recently awarded the prestigious NMRC Translational & Clinical Research Flagship Programme Grant on Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with $25 million funding over five years. The PD consortium, led by NNI Research Director, Prof Tan Eng King, comprises four interrelated groups, working in areas such as clinical and epidemiology, bioimaging and integrated system analysis, genetics, and basic neuroscience.

Among its most recent scientific developments, Associate Professor Lim Kah Leong, Assistant Director of NNI Research and his team, together with Professor Yao Shao Qin from NUS, co-developed a chemical probe that can track PD progression in patients’ blood, potentially offering early-stage detection and monitoring of the disease. Another breakthrough came from NNI’s Senior Research Scientist, Dr Zeng Li, her team and her collaborators from Duke-NUS, who found that microRNA-574-5p may be a potentially useful new target for drug development against Alzheimer’s Disease.

In the area of stroke research, Dr Liao Ping, a Clinician Scientist from NNI, and his team developed a novel antibody that binds to and inactivates a specific TRPM4 calcium ion channel, thereby protecting brain tissue from ischemic damage after stroke. This antibody has since been patented and is in pre-clinical development with several A*STAR institutions.

In brain tumour research, which has garnered industry interest and funding from Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company (Indianapolis, USA), the Neuro-oncology Research team, led by Dr Carol Tang and Associate Professor Christopher Ang Beng Ti, developed unique molecular stratification methods to identify patient cohorts most likely to receive treatment benefit from Lilly’s clinical stage small molecule drugs.

Collectively, the teams’ discovery science approaches have resulted in clinical development with significant impact on the ways each disease is viewed and treated.

RESEARCH

Unravelling Discoveries through Basic/Translational ResearchEstablished in November 2000, the Basic/Translational Research Laboratories at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) span a floor area of about 800 sqm and are supported by state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Here, a faculty of scientists and clinician-scientists focus on disease-driven studies to elucidate the etiology of pathological conditions in neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease), stroke, dementia and brain tumours. Key to such studies is the establishment of clinically relevant animal and cellular models. At NNI, scientists work in close proximity with clinicians and access to patient material facilitates pre-clinical research efforts.

Additionally, NNI scientists hold adjunct or joint faculty appointments at local universities, including Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School (Duke-NUS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), underscoring the essential process of scientific mentorship and robust academic training. Ultimately, scientists and clinicians share a common long-term goal in their pursuit of research excellence - to reduce the burden of diseases and improve the quality of life for patients through building leading edge, cross-disciplinary expertise and people development.

Multidisciplinary approachBuilding on its strong international reputation and steady track record of publications, collaborative multidisciplinary research links, including joint grant awards, have been forged, not only with other neurological and clinical departments/hospitals, but also with basic science, and non-biomedical researchers such as information technology and engineering, several of them from

international centres of excellence. These highlight that critical disease-driven questions are complex and must be addressed by engaging various domains of expertise.

Principal Investigators from NNI’s Basic Science Research Laboratories, (from left, seated) Associate Professor Lim Kah Leong, Dr Zoe Bichler, (from left, standing) Dr Liao Ping, Dr Zeng Li, Dr Ng Chee Hoe and Dr Carol Tang.

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neurodegeneration research laboratory Singapore’s neuroscience community relies on the collective effort of a multidisciplinary team to work together towards achieving a common goal. One of the distinct advantages of such an approach is that research goals can be quickly realised through collaborating with specialised labs. This is embodied by Associate Professor Lim Kah Leong’s cooperative effort with National University of Singapore’s Professor Yao Shao-Qin and Dr Li Lin, along with Professor Tan Eng King, Director of Research at NNI. They collaborated to develop a probe that can potentially track the progression of PD.

Behavioural neuroscience laboratory Dr Zoe Bichler, an Associate Research Scientist, leads her research team at the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory. She believes that her studies are particularly complementary to other fields – such as molecular and cellular biology, genetics, pharmacology, and even bio-engineering.

Dr Bichler’s work focuses on understanding the development of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson Disease (PD), by investigating the behavioural and neurobiochemical changes detected in mice with relation to genetic and environmental factors. Observable traits, such as motor and sensorial functions and mood disorders, are rigorously analysed with reliable behavioural tests. Subsequently, biochemical changes are evidenced on brain samples and the overall effects of genetic, chemical insults (toxins) and stress factors on the animals are evaluated. Eventually, research at a

molecular level provides the deepest form of understanding. “Translational science will constantly use basic science to explain the mechanisms, but will rely on the clinic for the goals and rationales towards health therapeutic strategies,” Dr Bichler explains.

Built from scratch with a team of three researchers, Dr Bichler’s laboratory has been defined by experience from the very beginning. Dr Bichler feels privileged to have two skilled and smart/intelligent young research associates who have learnt the techniques of the lab within a short time.

A collaborative spirit is equally important in a team as it helps to create a supportive working environment, essential for success in the competitive world of scientific research.

Dr Zoe Bichler (centre) works closely with her team and she believes that having a collaborative spirit in a team helps to create a supportive work environment.

Associate Professor Lim Kah Leong (fourth from right) is a dedicated mentor to his research team at the Neurodegeneration Laboratory.

Also an Assistant Director of Research at NNI, Prof Lim’s Neurodegeneration research is built on such multidisciplinary expertise. Based upon the cutting-edge induced pluripotent stem cell technology pioneered by Nobel laureate Professor Shinya Yamanaka, Prof Lim converts stem cells from patients to understand the progression of degenerative diseases. His Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory thus aims to develop better tools for clinicians to develop therapeutic ways for treating PD.

Prof Lim leads his team at the Neurodegeneration lab and is a dedicated mentor. “On the receiving end, I have benefitted from the wisdom of my past and present mentors,” he says, “and on the giving end, I personally find it gratifying to see members of my lab developing themselves progressively, with some securing faculty positions at local institutions.”

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neural Stem Cell research laboratory Leading her team at the Neural Stem Cell Research Laboratory is Dr Zeng Li, a Senior Research Scientist at NNI. The interest of this team lies in examining the dissecting function and regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that the dysregulation of miRNAs leads to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson

Disease (PD). The latest study by Dr Zeng’s team acknowledges that the microRNA-574-5p molecule normally promotes the production of newborn neurons in the brain. Dr Zhang Wei, a Postdoctoral Fellow and one of Dr Zeng’s research team mates, is the first author of their ‘Nature Communication paper’, which identifies the miRNA as a downstream target of the APP that contributes to APP-mediated neural stem cell function.

Dr Zeng and her team are currently working with clinician scientist, Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, to develop miRNAs as biomarkers for early-on-set dementia patients, as well as to explore the therapeutic potential of miRNAs via a non-invasive delivery manner to the brain. Like other Principal Investigators (PIs), Dr Zeng believes that having a multidisciplinary team is an essential component in basic science. With the complexities that surround scientific questions, various expertise across a range of disciplines are required to investigate and potentially solve the unknown. Dr Zeng explains, “With some diseases, we don’t even know enough to begin a treatment that may be successful or otherwise. Basic science provides some understanding on the involvement and regulation of genes and their functional roles in diseases. Without which, we will not be able to prevent a disease entirely or cure it in its early stages”.

Calcium Signalling laboratory According to Dr Liao Ping, a Clinician Scientist and PI at the Calcium Signalling Laboratory, his core research area on stroke involves not only collaborators from various institutes, but also stroke clinicians within NNI to understand more of the clinical need in stroke therapy. Their collaborations bring basic science closer towards translational

research. For example, discoveries may apply to different types of active stroke cases that the clinicians are working on, and researchers can better understand and gather innovative therapies to treat various strokes.

In addition to his research team mates, Dr Liao points out Research Assistants (RAs) to

RESEARCH

be an important component to the research process. Seeking answers to the unknown, RAs are best motivated by their PIs and while seeing progress in their research. Says Dr Liao, “As a PI, I need to ignite their interests in their research and point out their bright future. I have to help them in overcoming difficulties in their experiments and provide alternative approaches.”

Dr Liao proudly shares the achievements of two students from the School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, who worked in his lab as part of their attachment. Ms Quek Hui Lin Jamie and Ms Eong Rui Xuan emerged as the winning team at the Polytechnic Student Research Programme (PSRP) 2013/2014, for their study, ‘Reducing Brain Damage after Stroke by Inhibiting TRPM Ion Channels’, which was supervised by Dr Liao and his RA, Mr Gandi Ng. The duo also clinched the first place (Distinction Award) at the Young Scientist’s Symposium 2014.

Dr Liao Ping (centre) works with collaborators from various institutes as well as stroke clinicians within NNI to understand more of the clinical need in stroke therapy. He also believes that Research Assistants are an important component to the research process.

The Neural Stem Cell Research team, fronted by Dr Zeng Li (centre), work together in examining the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases.

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neuroimmunology research laboratory The all new Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory focuses on immunological aspects of neurological diseases. One of these is neuroinflammation, a common feature in many neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson Disease (PD) and Huntington’s Disease.

One of the key questions with regard to neuroinflammation is the role of microglia and how to manage them when they react against our body, in particular our brain. Dr Ng Chee Hoe, an Associate Research Scientist and junior PI, hopes to understand the mechanisms underlying their auto-reactivity and learn how to regulate them. The team is currently generating cell-based and animal models for neuroinflammation and hope that these tools will be available to other research groups or doctors.

Also working with Dr Ng is Research Assistant, Mr Royston Tan, and as a team, they discuss the project and analyse the results in tandem. Dr Chao Yinxia, an Associate Clinician Scientist, is also engaged in this research field as well as developing immunotherapy for neurodegeneration. Her project requires the study of both animal and human patients, and therefore needs a close collaboration both within and outside NNI. So team work is critical for the future success of her research.

Acknowledging that RAs contribute significantly to NNI’s core research projects, Dr Ng hopes that providing opportunities for RAs to explore their fields of interest and gain exposure to different kinds of work will

make their working environment livelier and more interesting. Dr Ng believes that if his staff enjoy their work, they will perform well.

neuro-oncology research laboratory First established in mid-2005, the Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory is co-led by Dr Carol Tang, Senior Research Scientist, NNI, and Associate Professor Christopher Ang Beng Ti, Senior Consultant and Head of Neurosurgery, NNI (SGH campus). Prof Ang is also a NMRC Clinician-Scientist awardee.

Brain tumours are devastating and notoriously difficult to treat due to their highly aggressive and infiltrative nature. Patients with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) often have very poor prognosis, with a mean survival period of 15 months after diagnosis. This necessitates the design of better treatment strategies. The lab’s focus is based on understanding the heterogeneous nature of patient tumour tissue, and how better treatment strategies must aim at eradicating the tumour at its root.

In recent years, the group has shown that histologically identical tumours can display very different molecular patterns, possibly accounting for the frequently observed inter-patient variability to treatment response. The lab established a repository of patient-derived glioma cells, and has since demonstrated that mouse models created from these cells form tumours with molecular fingerprints unique to the patients.

A fully-funded collaboration with Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company (Indianapolis, USA) capitalises on this preclinical mouse

model to test clinical stage small molecule drugs for the treatment of GBM. This has led to the development of patient stratification methods that would identify patient cohorts most likely to receive treatment benefit from such drugs. Personalised therapy is thus a key component of the group’s research efforts.

Neuro-Oncology research encompasses many disciplines. The lab has been fortunate to mentor talented individuals in glioma biology and bioinformatics patient database interrogation. It also works with several neurosurgeons in aspects of tumour imaging, as well as with various scientists from NUS, Duke-NUS and A*STAR. The lab ethos is based simply on “Good science and good people”, and believes that good science drives good medicine. Anyone can do great work as long as they are placed in the right environment.

laboratory of Molecular neurotherapeuticsHaving joined NNI as a Research Scientist this August, Dr Ivy Ho leads the Laboratory of Molecular Neurotherapeutics with her expertise in stem cells and gene therapy. In her previous research, she found that adult stem cells have a propensity to track cancer cells in a mouse model of brain tumour. By having these stem cells carry a gene that

kills cancer cells, the team was able to improve the survival of mice with brain tumours.

Now at NNI, Dr Ho hopes to capitalise on her expertise to develop new and innovative therapy for neurological diseases. Her initial focus will be working in partnership with the Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory to understand how the microenvironment surrounding the brain tumour affects cancer cell susceptibility to treatment.

Dr Ho believes that working hand-in-hand with clinical colleagues and sharing knowledge from a different background is important for the development of better treatment strategies.

Left image: The Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory is fronted by Assoc Prof Christopher Ang Beng Ti (left) and Dr Carol Tang (right). Right image: Dr Ivy Ho (first row, extreme left) from the Laboratory of Molecular Neurotherapeutics, will be working in partnership with the team from the Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory to develop better treatment strategies.

The NeuroimmunologyLaboratory is led by Dr Ng Chee Hoe (right), and workingclosely with him is his Research Assistant, Royston Tan (left).

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21 RESEARCHEVENTS21

EVENTS

September

12th NNI Fundraising Carnival for SingHealth President’s Challenge 2014

13th Public Forum: Living Without Pain (English)20th Workshop for NNI Community Care Partners

Programme27th NNI Spine Course27th Neuroscience Seminar for Family Physicians: Stroke

october

10th NNI Neuro-Oncology Symposium11th NNI Dementia Awareness Day16th - 17th 14th Advanced Neuroradiology Course25th NNI-CGH Public Forum: Parkinson Disease29th NNI Education Day

*Dates subject to change.

enquirY and reGiStrationTel: (65) 6357 7152 / 6357 7163Fax: (65) 6256 4755Email: nni_secretariat@nni.com.sgWebsite: www.nni.com.sg

EVENTS

CALENDAR

november

7th - 8th 15th Singapore Stroke Conference

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CoNTACT uSNational Neuroscience InstituteCorporate Communications Department11 Jalan Tan Tock SengSingapore 308433Tel: (65) 6357 7153Fax: (65) 6256 4755Email: NNI-CorporateCommunications@nni.com.sgWebsite: www.nni.com.sg

dISClAIMERThe articles published in Neus-link are for informative purposes and should not be used as substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor before starting any treatment or if you have questions related to your health or medical condition. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the written permission of National Neuroscience Institute.