Western Biochemist Named Canada's Top New Health Researcher

An Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at The University of Western Ontario will be recognized today as Canada’s top new investigator by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Hong Ling, a structural biologist specializing in protein crystallography, will receive the Peter Lougheed/CIHR New Investigator Award at the ‘CIHR Celebration of Excellence in Health Research’ Awards in Ottawa tonight. It is the first time a Western scientist has received the prestigious award, which recognizes Canada’s brightest health researcher at the beginning of his or her career. Described as an “upcoming star in the field of DNA replication and repair,” Ling’s research focuses on understanding the molecular structure and function of proteins involved in the replication of damaged DNA. “DNA can be damaged in a number of ways: external factors such as pollutants or our own internal metabolism can cause damage,” she explains. “When this occurs, one of three things happens: the cell dies, the DNA is repaired or, as we’ve recently discovered, DNA can be replicated, despite the damage. It’s this third biological process we are trying to understand.” When damaged DNA is replicated, mutations occur, causing cancer and genetic disease. By understanding the biological process behind this, Ling hopes to identify new prevention strategies or possible new targets for anti-cancer therapy. “Proteins carry out all biological functions in the body,” says Ling. “We first need to understand the structure of proteins on a molecular level – to create a picture in our mind – in order to understand the function they perform. Once we know this we can hopefully manipulate the structure to control the function.” Ling identified the first structure in the y-family of DNA polymerases – the group of proteins believed to be a major player in the replication of damaged DNA. It was a breakthrough opening a new avenue of study to the field. Her work has been published in Nature, Cell and the Journal of Biological Chemistry, among others. Her track record and excellent research proposal caught the eye of CIHR granting panels who recommended her for the top New Investigator award. Originally from China, Ling joined Western in September 2003 after working as a postdoctoral fellow with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. Prior to her work with the NIH, she completed her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. She jumped at the chance to return to Canada. Now she is surprised by the recognition she is receiving in her first time applying for research grants in this country. “I am very grateful for the award,” says Ling. “Scientific research is a life commitment and it is not always easy. It is a big support to know when our research is appreciated and important to others. It gives me renewed energy.” The Peter Lougheed/CIHR New Investigator award is one of six awards presented annually by the CIHR to health researchers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to improving the health of Canadians. Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced the 2004 recipients of Canada’s foremost health research awards earlier today. “Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional creativity, a willingness to overcome challenges, and the ability to embrace new concepts, all in the pursuit of new knowledge,” said Bernstein. “Their hard work and dedication has helped to set Canada on the path of achievement – something Canadians can take great pride in.” The CIHR is the Government of Canada’s agency for health research. Composed of 13 institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 9,000 researchers and research teams in every province. -30- Media contact: Kris Dundas Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (519) 661-2111 ext. 86415 kdundas2@uwo.ca