Scientists in Surgery
Approximately 15% of our surgical faculty are individuals who are non-MDs and work
as full time scientists. These individuals are significant contributors to the research
effort of our Department. This section will endeavour to profile excellence in research
among the scientists in our Department.
Paulo Koeberle
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Paulo Koeberle joined the Anatomy Division as an Assistant Professor in the tenure
stream in September 2006. He completed undergraduate studies at McMaster University
in 1997 and then began doctoral studies in Neuroscience under the supervision of
Dr. Alexander Ball. His early research work established the neuroprotective effects
of several growth factors following axotomy of retinal ganglion cells. This experience
fostered his interest in the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and regeneration
in the injured adult CNS. He followed his PhD program with postdoctoral studies,
first with Mathias Bahr at the University of Goettingen, Germany, then with Lyanne
Schlichter at the Toronto Western Research Institute. While at Goettingen, Paulo
investigated the mechanisms of the neuroprotection provided by GDNF and Neurturin,
demonstrating their role in reducing glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in injured
neurons by upregulating expression of certain glutamate transporters. While working
with Lyanne Schlichter, Paulo uncovered the role of Kv1 family potassium channels
in promoting apoptosis in injured retinal ganglion cells.
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Since joining the Anatomy Division Paulo has set up his lab with funding from the
Glaucoma Society of Canada, The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF, U.S.), the Connaught Foundation,
the Canadian Foundation for Innovation Leadership Opportunity Fund (with a matching
grant from the Ontario Research Matching Fund) and the CIHR. His research is currently
focused on identifying novel proteins that are involved in neuronal apoptosis as
well as the role of extracellular matrix interactions in determining the survival
of neurons. Paulo has also established very active collaborations with Cindi Morshead
in the Anatomy Division and Michael Fehlings in the Division of Neurosurgery. His
work with Cindi Morshead is directed at understanding the factors that control the
differentiation of retinal stem cells with a view to promoting the development of
new retinal ganglion cells. With Michael Fehling's research group he is investigating
the neuroprotective effects of VEGF and its ability to promote neovasularization
in the CNS. By exploring ways to up-regulate VEGF expression Paulo hopes to contribute
to improving the clinical outcomes for stroke patients.
Paulo currently teaches students in both the Faculties of Arts and Science and in
Medicine. Next year he will take over as the Course Director for Neuroanatomy in
the PT program. Paulo has a bright future and is an outstanding addition to the
Division of Anatomy.
Michael Wiley
University Division Chair, Anatomy
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