Investigate the Molecular Bases of Psychiatric Disorders and Develop Novel Therapeutic Avenues
The goals of CAMH’s NDA research program are to (1) discover and investigate biological mechanisms underlying major depression, life-long maturation or aging of the brain, and their respective interactions, (2) to develop hypothesis-driven assays and biomarkers for use in human subjects, (3) to test mechanisms in rodent models and cell-based systems, and (4) to use this knowledge to develop strategies for novel disease-monitoring and therapeutic approaches.
OUR TEAMS
Meet the 7 scientists leading interdisciplinary projects in the Neurobiology of Depressing and Aging Program.
Etienne Sibille, Ph.D.
Dr. Etienne Sibille is Chair of the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute of CAMH, Professor in Psychiatry and in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, and lead of the NDA program. Through translational research and cross-disciplines collaborative efforts, Dr. Sibille investigates the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. His ultimate goal is to better understand how psychiatric disorders affect the brain in order to identify novel therapeutic avenues. Dr. Sibille is also co-founder of Alpha Cog, a preclinical pharma biotech focusing on the development of novel treatment of cognitive deficits in psychiatric disorders.
Mounira Banasr, Ph.D.
Dr. Mounira Banasr, Independent Scientist in CAMH and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, leads the preclinical unit of the NDA Program, with a particular focus on the role of astocytes in psychiatric disorders.
Erica Vieira, Ph.D.
Dr. Erica Vieira, Independent Scientist in Molecular Neurobiology in CAMH and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, leads the research group of the NDA program focusing on neuroimmunology and the relationship between peripheral biomarkers and the central nervous system in different neuropsychiatric illnesses.
Yuliya Nikolova, Ph.D.
Dr. Yuliya Nikolova, Independent Scientist in CAMH and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry, leads the NDA research group focusing on structural and functional brain changes observed in psychiatric disorders.
Hyunjung Oh, Ph.D.
Dr. Hyunjung Oh, moved to a new position of Senior Research Scientist at PeopleBio Inc. South Korea.
Thomas Prevot, Ph.D.
Dr. Thomas Prevot, Project Scientist in CAMH and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, leads the research group focusing on Memory, Emotions, Drugs and Synapses (MEDS), working towards the Discovery and Development of novel therapeutic avenues for mood and cognitive disorders.
Toshi Tomoda, MD/Ph.D.
Dr. Toshi Tomoda, Independent Scientist in CAMH and Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, leads the research group of the NDA Program focusing on brain homeostasis regulation in health and brain disorders with affect and cognitive disturbances.
NEWS AND UPDATES
Below is a snapshot of the latest news from our Program. You can find out more by visiting the News Page or by visiting the different Team Pages.
FUN FAIR
Because working in a lab also means sharing moments!
Tomoda’s lab get-together – Summer 2023
Tomoda’s Lab group – at Etienne’s summer party – August 13th 2023
Prevot’s lab get-together on Toronto Centre Island. July 16th 2022. Picnic, badminton and a lot of fun !!
Fernanda’s and Sara’s Birthday !!! July 13th 2022
Celebrating Michael’s Birthday – June 20th 2022
Summer is coming !!! June 23rd 2022. Reconnecting with Dr (to be) Keith Misquitta
Damona Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Etienne Sibille and CAMH created in September 2019 a preclinical pharma spinoff , Damona Pharmaceuticals™. The mission of Damona Pharmaceuticals™ is to discover and develop small molecules for the treatment and prevention of cognitive symptoms in depression and other brain disorders. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about Damona™.