New Labs at the Lunenfeld

Centre Facts:

•     10,000 square feet of new research space

•     Funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ontario Ministry for Research and Innovation

•     Project architects: Stantec, General Contractor: Olar; Project Manager: Gary Meyer

•     This completes the fit-out of Mount Sinai Hospital’s 25 Orde St. building. Built over the last six years, the 25 Orde St. building also incorporates:

•     112,000 square foot Toronto Centre for Phenogenomics—a scientific collaboration between Mount Sinai, SickKids, the University Health Network and St. Michael’s hospitals to operate a centralized, state-of-the-art research facility focused specifically on developing and analyzing mouse models

•     44,500 square feet of research labs for the Lunenfeld’s programs in Women’s and Infants’ health and translational research

  Dr. Tom Willet talks about the new research space. 

Research Purpose:

Much of the research in the new Centre will include investigations into musculoskeletal illnesses such as arthritis, osteoporosis, bone and joint injuries, muscle and tendon problems, as well as bone and muscle tumours.  Lunenfeld scientists are collaborating with the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre for several projects programs in musculoskeletal research and education. 

How will this new research program help people with these illnesses?

•     Novel treatments for arthritis personalized to each person’s unique sub-type of illness

•     Stronger, longer-lasting joint replacements

•     New ways to keep bones healthy after treatment for sarcoma and metastatic cancer in bone

•     Faster recovery after sports-related injuries

•     New ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis, which can help reduce hip fractures in the elderly

•     Improved reconstruction and healing of complex fractures (where the soft tissue surrounding bone is damaged)

•     Less pain and faster recovery after hip and knee replacements

Meet the experts:

Dr. Marc Grynpas is a Senior Investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, with a focus on developing new insights into the factors that contribute to bone loss, which leads to osteoporosis. His research into bone loss will lead to improved strategies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and bone fractures. Dr. Grynpas is a Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, where he is also the Director of the Bone and Mineral Group—a university-wide group dedicated to bone research.

Dr. Rita Kandel is Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, and leads a staff of over 200 professionals who make up the Department.  Dr. Kandel is also a clinician-scientist and Associate Member of the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute who is developing ‘bioartificial’ implants for damaged joints.   Dr. Kandel is collaborating with Mount Sinai colleagues Drs. Marc Grynpas and Andras Nagy on this project.

Dr. Andras Nagy is a Senior Investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, and a Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto.  He also holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Stem Cells and Regeneration.  Dr. Nagy has developed a broad spectrum of genomic technologies now used around the world. These technologies assist the study of gene function in development and disease, and are important tools in the development of stem cell based therapies. By using technologies to direct gene expression, scientists will gain control of stem cell behaviour, propagation and differentiation, which will be essential if stem cells are to be used to treat human disease.

Dr. Jay Wunder is Mount Sinai Hospital’s Surgeon-in-Chief. He is a surgical oncologist specializing in osteosarcoma, a form of musculoskeletal cancer, and has developed a reputation as a world-class leader who effectively and innovatively brings research to the point of care. Dr. Wunder is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto and the Head of the University Musculoskeletal Unit. Dr. Wunder and his team are developing new ways to keep bones and joints healthy in patients undergoing treatment for sarcoma.