St. Boniface Hospital Research

Dr. Benedict C. Albensi
– Synaptic Plasticity and Cellular Memory Dysfunction


Dr. Benedict C. Albensi
Prinicipal Investigator – Synaptic Plasticity and Cellular Memory Dysfunction Lab
Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Dr. John Foerster Centre for Health Research on Aging

Research Focus

The major focus of our laboratory is to understand how normal memory works and to also understand what happens to memory when it is impaired. Our perspective is neurochemical and neuropharmacological where we attempt to identify molecular signaling pathways and pharmacological mechanisms that could be targeted with promising therapeutics. Given this focus, much of our work is centered on biological processes involving calcium regulation and neuronal excitability since calcium and excitability thresholds play a large role not only in normal memory processing, but also in processes of brain injury and disease.

Why is this work important?

  • Provides a valuable platform for scientists to understand how neurons change at the molecular level during the formation of memory
  • Finding a gene (or genes) that are activated in both the transgenic mouse and human strongly suggests that the gene is involved in memory
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can reveal loss of gray matter and other important changes years before symptoms of dementia
  • Could ultimately lead to the development of drugs to treat memory disorders and other brain diseases or neurodegenerative conditions

What techniques and equipment are used in this laboratory?

  • Brain slice electrophysiology
  • Behavioral (egs., Morris water maze, Barnes maze)
  • Cell & molecular assays (egs., Western blots, gel shifts, etc.)
  • MRI
  • Cellular neuroimaging
  • Gene chips (gene arrays)

About Dr. Benedict Albensi

Dr. Albensi’s background is diverse where he has received training in both basic and clinical research and has also worked in the industrial sector on several novel drug discovery projects. Prior to graduate training, he worked at NPS Pharmaceuticals in Salt Lake City, UT, USA, researching the possibility that natural products could be used as novel drugs in CNS disorders. Dr. Albensi continued his academic training and received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Utah’s Medical School in 1995. Subsequently, he was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, DC, USA. Following this, he went on to work as a Postdoctoral Scholar with Dr. Mark Mattson, an internationally recognized leader in neurodegenerative research, at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging – University of Kentucky. Subsequently, he joined the Clinical Research Department at Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert in Ann Arbor, MI (Pfizer acquired PD-WL in 2000). Following this clinical research experience, he was appointed as Project Staff in the Department of Neurological Surgery – Cleveland Clinic Foundation and also as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He now has several appointments in Canada, which include serving as an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Manitoba and as a Principal Investigator at the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre. Currently, his laboratory is studying signaling pathways associated with normal synaptic plasticity and memory and also memory impairments in diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia. In addition, his lab is investigating novel electrical stimulation protocols for seizure control.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Benedict C. Albensi
Tel. 204-235-3942
Cell. 204-782-3698
Email. balbensi@sbrc.ca

In Detail

Our laboratory is devoting a full-time effort to understanding, identifying, and targeting biological mechanisms associated with processes of memory formation (synaptic plasticity) and memory impairment. Memory impairment can occur for a variety of reasons and can be a result of aging, brain injury, genetic predispositions, and/or from a disease state; this can include, but is not limited to, stroke, head trauma, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, etc. These seemingly unrelated neurodegenerative disorders or conditions actually appear to possess a common cellular pathology in many cases that centers around excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity, which was first described by Dr. Olney in the 1970s, involves the activation of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate, an excitatory amino acid, activates different types of receptors (ie, NMDA, non-NMDA) in the postsynaptic neuron that can then initiate a host of cellular processes. However, high concentrations of glutamate can cause cell death through the excessive activation of these receptors in conjunction with the excessive increase of intracellular calcium levels. Many recent studies are now showing that excitotoxic mechanisms contribute to alterations in synaptic plasticity, memory deficits, and eventual neurodegeneration in key memory centers of the brain. Therefore, it is our goal to understand these pathological mechanisms and to also contribute to the development of new pharmacologic or therapeutic approaches that will limit or prevent neurodegeneration in brain regions responsible for memory processing.

One approach for understanding the effect of excitotoxic mechanisms in dementia involves using a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Experiments are being conducted by our lab to determine if impairments in synaptic plasticity or behavioral tests of memory performance occur in transgenic mice that have been engineered to overexpress mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin protein (PS), proteins thought to be linked to AD. Recent studies suggest that mutations in APP and PS proteins result in amyloid deposition and in excessive levels of intracellular calcium. In addition, studies show that the transcription factor, NF-kB, is activated in the CNS not only during normal physiological activity, but also as a result of brain injury or disease, such as AD. We hypothesize that excessive intracellular calcium concentrations alter NF-kB activity, which then contributes to memory deficits. These experiments are both timely and important for advancing AD research.

Laboratory Methods:

  • Cellular and molecular assays
  • Electrophysiological recording
  • Confocal/calcium imaging
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Behavioral testing

Top

Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts

T.N. Parks, A.L. Mueller, L.D. Artman, B.C. ALBENSI, H. Jackson, V.J. Jasys, N.A. Saccomano, R.A. Volkmann. Arylamine toxins from funnel-web spider (Agelenopsis aperta) venom act as N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor antagonists in mammalian brain. J Biol Chem, 266(32): 21523-21529, 1991.

A.L. Mueller, B.C. ALBENSI, A.H. Ganong, L. Reynolds and H. Jackson. Arylamine spider toxins antagonize NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in rat hippocampus: An in vitro electrophysiological study. Synapse 9: 244-250, 1991.

B.C. ALBENSI, K.T. Ryujin, J.M. McIntosh, S.R. Naisbitt, B.M. Olivera and F.M. Filloux. Localization of [125I] w-conotoxin GVIA binding sites in human hippocampus and cerebellum. NeuroReport, 4(12): 1331-1334, 1993.

B.C. ALBENSI, M. P. Schweizer, T. M. Rarick and F. Filloux. Magnetic resonance imaging of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the neonatal rat. Invest Radiol 33(7): 377-385, 1998.

B.C. ALBENSI and J.H. Powell. The Differential Optomotor Response of the Four-eyed Fish, Anableps anableps. Perception 27: 1475-1483, 1998.

B.C. ALBENSI, M. P. Schweizer, T. M. Rarick and F. Filloux. Unilateral Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in the Neonatal Rat Brain Evaluated by In Vivo MRI: Correlation with Histopathology and Neuroprotection by MK801. Invest Radiol 34(4): 249-261, 1999.

B.C. ALBENSI and M.P. Mattson. Evidence for the Involvement of TNF and NF-kB in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Synapse 35: 151-159, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, S. Knoblach, B.G.M. Chew, M.P. O’Reilly, A.I. Faden and J.J. Pekar. Diffusion and High Resolution MRI of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats: Time Course and Correlation with Histology. Exp Neurol 162: 61-72, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, P. Sullivan, M. Thompson, S. Scheff and M.P. Mattson. Cyclosporin Ameliorates Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Alterations of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity Exp Neurol 162(2):385-389, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, N. Alasti and A.L. Mueller. Long-term potentiation in the presence of NMDA receptor antagonist arylalkylamine spider toxins. J Neurosci Research 62(2):177-185, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI. Models of Brain Injury and Alterations in Synaptic Plasticity. J Neurosci Res 65(3): 279-283, 2001.

B.C. ALBENSI. Potential Roles for TNF and NFkB in Seizure Activity. J Neurosci Res 66(2): 151-154, 2001.

B.C. ALBENSI and Damir Janigro. Traumatic Brain Injury and its Effects on Synaptic Plasticity. Invited Review. Brain Injury 17(8):653-63, 2003.

N. Marchi, P. Rasmussen, M. Kapural, V. Fazio, K. Kight, M.R. Mayberg, A. Kanner, B. Ayumar, B.C. ALBENSI, M. Cavaglia, D. Janigro. Peripheral markers of brain damage and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Restor Neurol Neurosci 21(3,4):109-121, 2003.

B.C. ALBENSI, G. Ata, E. Schimdt, J. Waterman, D. Janigro. Activation of Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity Causes Suppression of Epileptiform Activity in Rat Hippocampal Slices. Brain Research 998(1):56-64, 2004.

B.C. ALBENSI, E. Ilkanich, D. Janigro, C. Igoechi. Why do Many NMDA Antagonists Fail, While Others are Safe and Effective at Blocking Exitotoxicity Associated With Dementia and Acute Injury? American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias 19(5):269-274, 2004.

B.C. ALBENSI, E. Ilkanich, G. Dini and D. Janigro. Elements of Scientific Visualization in Basic Neuroscience Research. BioScience 54(12): 1127-1137, 2004.

B.C. ALBENSI, D. R. Oliver, J. Toupin and G. Odero. Electrical Stimulation Protocols for Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Neuronal Hyper-excitability: Are They Effective or Relevant? Exp Neurol 204(1): 1-13, 2007.

B.C. ALBENSI, The NMDA Receptor/Ion Complex in Synaptic Plasticity and Excitotoxicity. Invited Review. Curr Pharm Design 13(31):3185-3194, 2007.

J.D. Thiessen, K.A. Collister, L.M. Kurjewicz, M.R. Del Bigio, B.C. ALBENSI, M. Martin. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Behavioural Test Comparisons in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Physics in Canada 63(3): 134-137, 2007.

G. Odero, F. Amara, B.C. ALBENSI. Un-educating Creativity: a Case for a Greater Emphasis on Creativity in Medical Education. Journal of the International Assoc of Med Sci Educators 17(2): 87-94, 2007.

B.C. ALBENSI, J. Toupin*, K. Oikawa, and D.R. Oliver. Controlled pulse delivery of electrical stimulation differentially reduces epileptiform activity in Mg2+-free treated hippocampal slices. Brain Research 1226: 163-172, 2008. *This author is a co-first author.

B.C. ALBENSI. Can in vitro assessment provide relevant end points for cognitive drug programs? Invited review. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery 3(12):1377-1382, 2008.

J. Schapansky, M. Morissette, G. Odero, B. ALBENSI, G. Glazner. Neuregulin b1 Enhances Peak Glutamate-induced Intracellular Calcium Levels through Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons. Canadian Journ. Physiology and Pharmacology. Accepted. In Press.

K. Collister, G. Odero, D. Grossman, E. Anema, A. Motnenko, J. Schpansky, D. Oliver, G. Glazner and B.C. ALBENSI. Differences in Background Strains Influence Neuropathology and Hippocampal-dependent Memory in the TgCRND8 Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Res. Bull. Submitted.

G. Odero, K. Oikawa, K. Collister, D. Grossman, J. Thiessen, J. Schpansky, N. Ge, M. Martin, G. Glazner, and B.C. ALBENSI. Calbindin Overexpression is Associated with Alterations in Long-term Potentiation and Spatial Memory in the Alzheimer’s Disease Presenilin M146V Model. Neurobiol of Aging. Submitted.

J. Thiessen, K Collister, Solmaz Nafez, A. Schellenberg, R. Buist, M. Martin, and B.C. ALBENSI. Histochemical visualization and diffusion weighted imaging in the TgCRND8 transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. Invest. Radiology. Submitted

Peer-Reviewed Proceedings

M. F. Balandrin, B.C. van Wagenen, R. Roeloff, B.C. ALBENSI, D. Wirtshafter, H.L. Shieh, J.M. Pezzuto, G.A. Cordell. Valerian-Derived Sedative Agents, III Iso-valeramide, A Novel Anxiolytic Agent from Valerian-Derived Isovaleric Acid Esters (Valeriana SPP.,Valerianaceae). Proceedings of the 37th Annual Amer Soc of Pharmacognosy, Santa Cruz, CA, poster no. P86, 1996.

A.L. Mueller, L.D. Artman, B.C. ALBENSI, E.F. Nemeth and H. Jackson. Arylamine spider toxins antagonize NMDA receptor-mediated responses in mammalian CNS. Proceedings of Excitatory Amino Acids: Basic Science & Therapeutic Implications, Nov. 21-22, London, UK, 1991.

B.C. ALBENSI, S. Knoblach, B.G.M. Chew, M.P. O’ Reilly, A.I. Faden and J.J. Pekar. Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging of a Rodent Model of Neuroinjury. Proceedings of the 6th Annual ISMRM Sci Meeting & Exhib., 2: 1183, 1998.

B.C. ALBENSI, G. Ata, J. Waterman, D. Janigro. Attenuation of Neuronal Excitability and Epileptiform Activity. AES Proceedings, Epilepsia, 43 Suppl 7: 27, 2002.

J.D. Thiessen, K.A. Collister, L.M. Kurjewicz, C. Readhead, M.R. Del Bigio, B.C. ALBENSI, and M. Martin. Correlating Longitudinal In Vivo Images of Beta-Amyloid Plaques with Morris Water Maze Test Results in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Proceedings of the Annual ISMRM Sci Meeting & Exhib, Berlin. (2007).

Manuscripts in Preparation

S. Nafez, K. Oikawa, G. Odero, M. Sproule, N. Ge, and B.C. ALBENSI. A novel link for p50 NF-kB in activating Egr-2 in synaptic plasticity. In preparation.

B.C. ALBENSI. Enhancements in LTP in a Pathological Context: What Do they Mean? The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Invited review, In preparation.

B.C. ALBENSI. Excitatory Neurotransmission Dysfunction: Newer Targets for NMDA receptor Drugs. Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery, Invited review, In preparation.

Book Chapters

B.C. ALBENSI, Seizure-Induced Synaptic Plasticity: Understanding Synaptic Reorganization in Synaptic Plasticity: New Research, Edited by Frank Columbus, Nova Science Publishers, Invited submission – 2008.

B.C. ALBENSI, V. Plasticity and Epileptogenesis, D. Electrical Stimulation Protocols for Seizure Attenuation, in, Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research, Edited by Philip A. Schwartzkronin. Pub. Academic Press, Elsevier Sci. Invited submission – 2009.

Books in Preparation

B.C. ALBENSI, editor and co-author. The Role of NF-kB and CREB in Synaptic Plasticity and Memory. (coauthors: Albensi, Barger, Romano, Mariagrazia, Murphy, Josselyn, Rodríguez).

Relevant CNS Monographs (non-peer-reviewed)

K.E. Ward, F. Filloux and B.C. ALBENSI, Effects of Gangliosides on Brain Edema Hypoxic-Ischemic Neonatal Rats. University of Utah’s, J. Undergrad. Res., 4(1):21-25, 1993.

B.C. ALBENSI, Magnetic Resonance in Brain Injury and Drug Evaluation, Pharmaceutical News, 4(4), July/August 1997.

B.C. ALBENSI and M.P Mattson, Neurodegeneration and Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease, Pharmaceutical News, 5(3): 6-9, May/June 1998.

B.C. ALBENSI and J. Pierson, Use of Polylysine Substrates for Culturing Cells, The Cell Line, Sept./Oct. 8(2): Nov./Dec. 1998.

B.C. ALBENSI, Apoptosis and Biochemical Cascades. Drug News and Perspectives 12(9): 453-457, Nov. 1999.

B.C. ALBENSI, Scientific Visualization in Drug Discovery and Development, Drug News and Perspectives 14(2):69-74, March 2001.

B.C. ALBENSI, TNF and Drug Delivery in the Blood-Brain Barrier. Drug News and Perspectives, Drug News and Perspectives 15(4):233-237, May 2002.

B.C. ALBENSI, Biological Mechanisms, Cerebrovascular Alterations, and Pharmacological Targets in the Pathology of Dementia. Drug News and Perspectives, 15(6): 333-337, July/August 2002.

B.C. ALBENSI, A comparison of drug treatment versus electrical stimulation for suppressing seizure activity. Drug News and Perspectives, 16(6):347, July/August 2003.

B.C. ALBENSI, A comparison of drug treatment versus electrical stimulation for suppressing seizure activity. Timely Topics in Medicine (www.ttmed.com). October 1st 2003.

B.C. ALBENSI and E. Ilkanich. Open-Channel Blockers of the NMDA Receptor. Drug News and Perspectives, 17(9):557-62, Nov. 2004.

K. Collister and B.C. ALBENSI, Potential Therapeutic Targets in the NF-kB Pathway for Alzheimer’s Disease. Drug News and Perspectives, 18(10): Dec. 2005.

B. Klunk, J. Price, C. Mathis, E. Reiman, C. Jack, T. Fagan, J. Kinoshita, B. ALBENSI, B. Tuller, H.F. Kung, J. Andrews, K. Johnson, M.A. Pawlak, N. Fox, R. Sperling, E. Zamrini, Alzheimer Research Forum Live Discussion: Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Current State of Affairs. J. of Alzheimer’s Dis. 8: 387-392 2005.

T. Fagan, B. Kagan, D. Corbin, W. Hwang, C. Glabe, L. Nault, R. Lal, D. Teplow, B.C. ALBENSI, Y. Sokolov. Alzheimer Research Forum Live Discussion: Now you see them, now you don’t: The amyloid channel hypothesis. J Alzheimers Dis. Jul;9(2):219-24, 2006.

G. Odero and B.C. ALBENSI. Epilepsy and the Many Faces of Homer 1, Invited review. Brain Research Journal 2(3): pg xx, 2008.

ALBENSI, B.; Breen,G.; Cashikar,A.; Chai,X.; Chang,R.; Cuellar,T.; Frederikse,P.; Hayashi,M.; Hebert,S.; Kinoshita,J.; Kosik,K.; Long,J.; Maloney,B.; Mizumoto,L.; Muresan,V.; Neilson,J.; Nelson,P.; Perry,R.; Smalheiser,N.; Stanek,L.; Townsend,M.; Turner,L.; Umansky,S.; Wang,W.-X.; Xu,G. Alzheimer Research Forum Live Discussion: Non-coding RNAs in neurodegeneration. J Alzheimers Dis. Jul;16(2):441-444, 2009.

Clinical/Industrial Research Reports

B.C. ALBENSI, H. Haber, P. Holley and U. Trostmann. A Phase 3, Open-Label, Randomized, Multicenter Study of Clinafloxacin (CI-960-34) Versus a Ceftriaxone-Based Regimen in the Treatment of Hospitalized Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia (Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert). Internally issued, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, H. Haber, P. Holley, L. Welling, L. Weaver. An Open-Label, Emergency-Use Study of Clinafloxacin (CI-960-10) in the Treatment of Patients With Serious Life-Threatening Bacterial Infections. (Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert). Internally issued, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, H. Haber, P. Holley, U. Trostmann, L. Weaver An Open-Label, Emergency-Use Study of Clinafloxacin (CI-960-60) in the Treatment of Patients With Serious Life-Threatening Bacterial Infections (Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert). Internally issued, 2000.

B.C. ALBENSI, M. Graziano, W. Grove, K. Kimmel, R. Merriman, S. Morosky, Investigator’s Brochure: CI-994. (Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert). Internally issued, 2000.

Abstracts

A.L. Mueller, A.H. Ganong, B.C. ALBENSI, and H. Jackson. Effects of polyamine spider toxins on NMDA receptor-mediated transmission in rat hippocampus in vitro. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 15, no. 373.10 (1989).

B.C. ALBENSI, A.L. Mueller, and H. Jackson. Effects of calcium antagonist peptide spider toxins on hippocampal synaptic transmission studied in vitro. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 15, no. 373.11 (1989).

B.C. ALBENSI, K.T. Ryujin, J.M. McIntosh, S.R. Naisbitt, B.M. Olivera, & F.M. Filloux. Autoradiographic localization of [125I] w-conotoxin GVIA binding sites in human hippocampus and cerebellum, Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 19, no. 721.16, (1993).

L.D. Hirning, A.L. Mueller, N. Alasti, L.D. Artman, E.G. Delmar, E.F. Nemeth, T.N. Parks, W.R. Gray, B.C. ALBENSI and H. Jackson, Biological Characterization of a P-type Calcium Channel Blocker, w-Aga-K, from Agelenopsis Aperta Spider Venom. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 19, no. 721.1, (1993).

B.C. ALBENSI, S. Hendee, M. P. Schweizer, and F. Filloux. 1H Imaging of Neonatal Rat Brain: In Vivo Evaluation of Hypoxia-Ischemia, Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 20, no. 80.15, (1994).

F. M. Filloux, M.P. Schweizer, T. Rarick, K.E. Clash & B.C. ALBENSI. Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in the Neonatal Rat Evaluated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Annals Neurol. v. 38: 503 (1995).

B.C. ALBENSI, F.M. Filloux, T. Rarick, K.E. Clash & M.P. Schweizer. MRI of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in the Neonatal Rat Brain: Correlation with Histopathology. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 21, no. 92.9, (1995).

B.G.M. Chew, B.C. ALBENSI, M.O. Mattingly, and J.J. Pekar. High Resolution In Vivo Brain MRI using Minimally Invasive Techniques. Exp. NMR Conference (1997).

B.C. ALBENSI, S. Knoblach, B.G.M. Chew, M.P. O’Reilly, A.I. Faden, and J.J. Pekar. Temporal Evolution of Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats In Vivo using Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Seven Tesla. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., v. 23, no. 108.12, (1997).

B.C. ALBENSI, S. Knoblach, B.G.M. Chew, M.P. O’Reilly, A.I. Faden, and J.J. Pekar. Evaluation of Temporal Evolution of Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats In Vivo using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Messengers of Life & Death Conf., Lexington, KY (1997).

B.G.M. Chew, B.C. ALBENSI, M.O. Mattingly, and J.J. Pekar. High Resolution In Vivo Brain MRI using Minimally Invasive Techniques. Exp. NIH Research Festival, In vivo NMR Ctr., Bethesda, MD (1997).

B.C. ALBENSI, A. J. Bruce-Keller, J. G. Begley and M.P. Mattson. Roles for Caspase Activation in Synaptic Plasticity and Degeneration. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. v.24, no.707.3 (1998).

B.C. ALBENSI and M.P. Mattson. The Threshold for LTD Induction is Shifted in Hippocampal CA1 Neurons of Mice Lacking TNF Receptors. The Fourth Annual Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Symp., Lexington, KY (1998).

W. Duan, D.M. Gash, Z. Zhang, B. C. ALBENSI and M.P. Mattson. Participation of Par-4 in Degeneration of Dopaminerigic Neurons in Models of Parkinson’s Disease. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. v.25, part 2, pp.1597 (1999).

B.C. ALBENSI, P.G. Sullivan, M.B. Thompson, S.W. Scheff and M. P. Mattson, Cyclosporin Improves TBI-Induced Alterations in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pathogenesis Keystone Symposium (2000).

B.C. ALBENSI, P.G. Sullivan, M.B. Thompson, S.W. Scheff and M. P. Mattson. Effects of Cyclosporin on TBI-Induced Alterations in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Soc. of Neurochem. Abstr. v.74, supplement 2000, pp. S74A (2000).

S.M. Dombrowski, B.C. ALBENSI, S.Y. Desai, M.Marroni, L.Cucullo, K. Goodrich, W. Bingaman, I. Najm, M. Mayberg and D. Janigro, AED-Resistance in Human Epilepsy: Abnormalities in BBB Permeability and Intrinsic Cellular Mechanisms. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr (2001).

B.C. ALBENSI, M. Marroni, L. Cucullo, M.S. McAllister, D. Janigro. Effects of Endothelial Cells on Astrocytic Glucose Metabolism. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr (2001).

B.C. ALBENSI, G. Ata, D. Janigro. Effects of Prolonged and Differential Stimulation in Rat Hippocampal CA1 Brain Slices: Relevance to Brain Pacemakers and Epilepsy. 21st Annual Research Day, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2001).

P.A. Rasmussen, M.R. Mayberg, M. Kapural, M. Cavaglia, B. ALBENSI, M. Steinmetz and D. Janigro. Minimally Invasive Mechanical Evacuation of ICH in a Porcine Model using a Rheolytic Catheter. AANS Mtg. (2001).

P. Rasmussen, M.R. Mayberg, M. Kapural, M. Cavaglia, B. ALBENSI, M. Steinmetz, D. Janigro. Differential Sensitivity of the BBB after Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Ischemic Stroke. AANS Mtg. (2001).

P. Rasmussen, MR Mayberg, M Kapural, B. ALBENSI, M Cavaglia, M Steinmetz, D Janigro. Differential Sensitivity of the BBB after Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Ischemic Stroke. 21st Ann. Research Day, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2001).

S.M. Dombrowski, B.C. ALBENSI, S.Y. Desai, M. Marroni, L. Cucullo, W. Bingaman, I. Najm, M. Mayberg, D. Janigro. Abnormalities in Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and intrinsic cellular mechanisms relating Drug-Resisitance in Human Epilepsy. 21st Ann. Research Day, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2001).

B.C. ALBENSI, G. Ata, J. Waterman, D. Janigro. Suppression of Neuronal Excitability and Epileptiform Activity. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2002).

S. Boninsegna, M. E Garrity-Moses, Q. Teng, R. DalToso, N. M Boulis, B. C ALBENSI, T. Attia and D. Janigro, Biosil Encapsulation of Mammalian Cells: A Novel Strategy for Cell-Mediated Drug Delivery. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2003).

K. Oikawa, G. Odero, K. Collister, F. Amara, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Investigation of the relationship between nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) activity and long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices of Alzheimer’s disease mouse model (M146V). Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2006).

K. Oikawa, G. Odero, D. Smith, G. Glazner, P. Fernyhough, B.C. ALBENSI. Modulation of synaptic plasticity in hippocampus in streptozocin-diabetic rats. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2006).

K.A. Collister, G. Odero, M. Martin and B.C. ALBENSI. Visualization and correlations involving the deposition of amyloid beta plaques in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2006).

S. Dobrowski, B.C. ALBENSI, G. Odero, K. Collister, and K. Oikawa. Hippocalcin, a possible Ca2+-dependent regulator for microsomal monooxygenase system, interacts with amyloid β1-42. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. (2006).

K.A. Collister , K. Oikawa, J. Thiessen, G. Odero, R. Buist, F. Amara, M. Martin, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Visualization and correlations involving the deposition of amyloid beta plaques in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Canadian Student Health Research Forum (CSHRF) Manitoba Poster Competition, MB (2006).

J.D. Thiessen, K. A. Collister, B.C. ALBENSI, M. Martin. Of Mice and Memory: Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease in Transgenic Mice. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) poster competition, MB (2006).

K. Oikawa, G. Odero, K. Collister, D. Smith, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Impairment of Long-Term Potentiation in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats. Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, MB (2005).

K. Oikawa, G. Odero, K. Collister, F. Amara, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Evidence for the involvement of NF-kB in Synaptic Plasticity and Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Awareness Week, Winnipeg, MB (2006).

K. Oikawa, G. Odero, K. Collister, D. Smith, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Modulation of Long-Term Potentiation in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats. Brain Awareness Week, Winnipeg MB (2006).

G. Odero, K. Oikawa, K. Collister, and B.C ALBENSI. Age-progressing synaptic and cognitive impairments, and neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice. Pharmacology and Therapeutics Conference, Banff, AB (2007).

J.D. Thiessen, K.A. Collister, L.M. Kurjewicz, M.R. Del Bigio, B.C. ALBENSI, M. Martin.. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Behavioural Test Comparisons in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Congress (2007).

M. Martin, J.D. Thiessen, K.A. Collister, L.M. Kurjewicz, C. Readhead, M.R. Del Bigio, B.C. ALBENSI. Longitudinal In Vivo Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, International Society for Neurochemistry meeting, Cancun (2007).

K. Oikawa, M. Sproule, B. Abrenica, M. Czubryt, B. C. ALBENSI. Exploration of NF-kB dependent gene expression patterns in theta-burst stimulated hippocampal slices. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., San Diego, CA (2007).

J. D. Toupin, K. Oikawa, G. Odero, D. R. Oliver, B. C. ALBENSI. The effect of electrical stimulation frequency on hippocampal epileptiform activity. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., San Diego, CA (2007).

K. A. Collister, G. Odero, K. Oikawa, G. Glazner, B.C. ALBENSI. Spatial memory formation and hippocampal function are influenced by background strain but not gender in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. San Diego, CA (2007).

S. Nafez, G. Odero, K. Oikawa, M. Sproule, B. Abrenica, M. Czubryt, B.C. ALBENSI, The Induction of Early Growth Response 2 (Egr 2) is triggered by neuronal activity-dependent NF-kB activation. Canadian Assoc. for Neurosci. Mtg. Montreal, QC. (2008).

N. Ge, K. Oikawa, D. Zhang, G. Odero, S. Nafez, B. ALBENSI. The Role of Colivelin a Novel Neuroprotactive Peptide on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Alz. Assoc. International Conf. on Alz. Disease Mtg. Chicago, IL (2008).

N. Ge, K. Oikawa, D. Zhang, G. Odero, S. Nafez, B.C. ALBENSI, The Neuroprotective effects of Colivelin on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Canadian Assoc. for Neurosci. Mtg. Montreal, QC. (2008).

K. Oikawa, S. Nafez, G. Odero, N. Ge, D. Zhang, B.C. ALBENSI, Visinin-like protein-3 modulates the interaction between Cytochrome b5 and NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Canadian Assoc. for Neurosci. Mtg. Montreal, QC. (2008).

B. C. ALBENSI, D. Zhang, W. Xiong, F. E. Parkinson, Hippocampal slices from human ENT1 transgenic mice show reduced temperature-induced and hypoxia-induced EPSP suppression. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., Washington, DC (2008).

S. Nafez, G. Odero, K. Oikawa, M. Sproule, N. Ge, D. Zhang, B. Abrenica, M. Czubryt, B.C. ALBENSI. The Induction of Early Growth Response 2 (Egr 2) is triggered by neuronal activity-dependent NF-kB activation. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., Washington, DC (2008).

G. Odero, S. Nafez, K. Oikawa, D. Grossman, B.C. ALBENSI. Gene expression profiling in PS1 (M146V) mice and other transgenic Alzheimer’s disease models. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., Washington, DC (2009).

D. Zhang, R. Buist, J. Peeling, B.C. ALBENSI, F.E. Parkinson. Increased endothelin-1 induced ischemic injury in hENT1 transgenic mice. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., Washington, DC (2009).

S. Nafez and B.C. ALBENSI. Early Growth Response 2 (Egr2) is induced by neuronal activity-dependent NF-kB activation. Ninth Congress of the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Edinburgh, Scotland (2009).

Published Theses

B.C. ALBENSI, Simultaneous Visual Processing in the Four-eyed Fish, Anableps anableps. Masters Thesis, Sonoma State University (1992).

B.C. ALBENSI, Evaluation of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in the neonatal rat using MRI. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Utah (1995).

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Academic Awards to Albensi

  • May 2008 Scottish Rite Charitable Found. of Canada -Award Ceremony, Wpg. MB
  • May 2008 Heart & Stroke Found. of Manitoba – Award Reception – Wpg., MB
  • Sept. 2007 St. Boniface Res. Ctr. Awards Ceremony – Spirit of Success, Wpg., MB
  • May 2007 Scottish Rite Charitable Found. of Canada Award Ceremony, Wpg. MB
  • April 2007 Manitoba Med. Service Found. (MMSF) Award Ceremony, Wpg. MB
  • Fall 2006 Manitoba Health Res. Council (MHRC) Award Ceremony, Wpg. MB
  • July 2006 Univ. of Manitoba Faculty Travel Fund, $1000, Wpg, MB
  • Nov. 2005 New Opportunities Fund – Ceremony, Canada Found. for Innovation, Univ. Manitoba, Wpg.
  • Sept. 2003 NIH – NINDS Travel Award, International Geriatric Epilepsy Symposium, Coral Gables, FL
  • 1998 U. of Kentucky Med. Ctr., Spring Neurosci. Day, 1st Prize-Best Poster (cash award)
  • 1996 – 1997 Georgetown University Medical Center Research Fellowship
  • 1994 William D. Carey Science Award – American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • 1994 Surrey Medical Imaging Systems Travel Stipend
  • 1994 Medical Imaging Res. Lab Symp., Oral Finalist, Sundance, UT
  • 1993 Graduate Research Fellowship Award, Univ. of Utah

Awards to fellows/students under Albensi’s supervision:

  • May 2007 Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada, Student Bursary, $2,000, Kathryn Collister, MD/MSc student
  • April 2007 Manitoba Student Science Symposium (MSSS), High School Science Fair Competition, 2nd Place & $150 Award, Anna Motnenko, high school student
  • April 2007 Sanofi-Aventis Biotechnology Challenge, High School Science Fair Competition, 2nd Place & $1500 Award, Anna Motnenko, high school student
  • Nov. 2006 Univ. of Manitoba Alumni Assoc. Travel Award, $175 – Kathryn Collister, MD/MSc student
  • Sept. 2006 NSERC poster competition, 2nd Place Award, Jonathan Thiessen, BSc student
  • August 2006 Society for Neuroscience Postdoctoral Trainee Travel Award, $1,000, – Dr. Kensuke Oikawa, MD, PhD, postdoctoral fellow
  • July 2006 Univ. of Manitoba Faculty Fund Fellowship, $26,000 – Dr. Kensuke Oikawa, MD, PhD, postdoctoral fellow
  • July 2006 Univ. of Manitoba Student Union Travel Award, $275 – Kathryn Collister, MSc student
  • June 2006 Univ. of Manitoba Faculty of Graduate Studies Travel Award, $500 – Kathryn Collister, MSc student
  • June 2006 Canadian Student Health Research Forum, Honorable Mention on poster – Kathryn Collister, MSc student
  • June 2006 Society for Neuroscience Winnipeg Chapter, Postdoctoral Trainee Travel Nominee – Dr. Kensuke Oikawa, postdoctoral fellow
  • May 2006 Savoy Foundation studentship, $12,000 – Kathryn Collister, MSc student
  • April 2006 Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship, $3,000 – Kathryn Collister, MSc student

Industrial Awards

  • 1999 Warner-Lambert’s Colleague Recognition Award (cash award)
  • 1987 Multi-Tech Labs., ETTC Corp., Achievement Award

Biographical Listings for Albensi

  • 2009 7th Edition (pub. 2009-2010) – Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare
  • 2008 26th Edition (pub 2008) – Whos Who in the World
  • 2007 25th Edition (pub 2007) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 2007 10th Edition (pub. 2008) – Who’s Who in Science and Engineering
  • 2007 62nd Edition (pub. 2008) – Who’s Who in America
  • 2006-2007 9th Edition (pub. 2007) – Who’s Who in Science and Engineering
  • 2005 22nd Edition (pub. 2004) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 2005-2006 8th Edition (pub. 2004) – Who’s Who in Science and Engineering
  • 2004 58th Edition (pub. 2003) – Who’s Who in America
  • 2004 21st Edition (pub. 2003) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 2003 20th Edition (pub. 2002) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 2003 57th Edition (pub. 2002) – Who’s Who in America
  • 2002 19th Edition (pub. 2001) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 2000-2001 3rd Edition (pub. 2000) – Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare
  • 2000 17th Edition (pub. 1999) – Who’s Who in the World
  • 1997 51st Edition (pub. 1996) – Who’s Who in America
  • 1996-1997 3rd Edition (pub. 1996) – Who’s Who in Science and Engineering

Active

2010 – 2012 Stroke injury in genetic mouse models. Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Grant in Aid. (Parkinson, F – PI; Albenci, B – co-PI). $50,000 pa.

2009 – 2014. The Role of p50 NF-kB and Egr-2 in Long Term Potentiation and Memory. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Discovery Grant. Principal Investigator (PI). $125,000.

2009. CFI-Partnering Grant. St Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, Open Grants Competition, PI, $6,500.

2009-2010. Memory-Associated Gene-Expression Profiling During Aging. University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging, Operating Grant, PI, $10,000.

2008 – 2013. Regulation of Brain Adenosine Levels by Ecto-enzymes and Membrane Transporters. Canadian Inst. of Health Research (CIHR), Operating Grant. Co-PI, $696,750.

2008 – 2010. Hippocampal Gene Expression Profiling and the Possible Involvement of Homer1 in Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Principle Applicant, $130,000.

2008 – 2010. Stroke Injury in Genetic Mouse Models. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC), Co-PI, $90,000.

2005 – 2010. Multidisciplinary 2-Photon Imaging of Calcium and Mitochondrial Dysregulation in Intact Tissues. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – Equipment Grant, Co-Principal Investigator, $1,004,835.

Past

2007 – 2009. Regulation of Adenosine Levels. Canadian Inst. of Health Research (CIHR), Operating Grant (funded by RPP – MHRC). Co-Applicant, $182,184.

2006 – 2009. The Role of sAPP and NF-kB in Alzheimer’s Disease, Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada, PI, $105,000.

2006 – 2009. Roles for PS1 Mutations, Calcium Overload, and NF-kB Activation in Synaptic and Cognitive Dysfunction, MHRC, Establishment grant. Principal Investigator, $100,000 CAD.

2007 – 2008. Regulation of GABAergic Interneuron Migration and Differentiation in the Vertebrate Forebrain by DLX Transcription Factors. Manitoba Inst. of Child Health (MICH), Operating Grant. Co-Applicant, $45,000.

2008- 2009. Programmable Stimulus Generator and Multielectrode Array to Investigate New Electrical Stimulation Protocols for Relief from Seizure-Like Activity, Natural Sciences & Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Research Tools & Instruments Grant. Co-Applicant $79,835.

2007. Using Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Identifying Markers Associated with Brain Injury Leading to Alzheimer’s Disease. Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF), Principal Investigator, $35,000.

2006 – 2007. Multidisciplinary 2-Photon Imaging of Calcium and Mitochondrial Dysregulation in Intact Tissues. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – Infrastructure Support, Co-Principal Investigator, $119,000..

2006 – 2008. Roles of PS1 Mutations and NF-kB in Synaptic Plasticity and Alzheimer’s Disease, Manitoba Health Research Council (MHRC), Operating grant. Principal Investigator, $100,000.

2006 – 2007. Novel Electrical Stimulation Protocols for Relief From Epileptic Seizure-Like Activity, Dr. Paul H.T. Thorlakson Foundation Fund, Co-Investigator, $29,500.


There are no opportunities available at this time.


Albensi, Benedict
Principal Investigator
balbensi@sbrc.ca

Albensi, Rachel
Technician

Akhtar, Aroosa
Technician
aakhtar@sbrc.ca

Grossman, Denise
Technician
dgrossman@sbrc.ca

Nafez, Solmaz
Graduate Student
snafez@sbrc.ca

Odero, Gary
Technician,
GOdero@sbrc.ca

Pahlavan, Payam
M.Sc. Student
ppahlavan@sbrc.ca

Vadakkan, Kunjumon
Associate Research Scientist

Zhang, Dali