Michael R. Hayden
Encyclopedia
Michael Hayden, MB ChB PhD FRCP(C) FRSC OBC CM (born November 21, 1951) is a Canadian physician scientist. A Killam professor of Medical Genetics
at the University of British Columbia
and Canada Research Chair in Human Genetics
and Molecular Medicine
, Hayden is best known for his research in Huntington disease (HD). He is also the founder and director of the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics
, part of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and affiliated with the Child & Family Research Institute and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Hayden is the most cited author in the world for HD and ABCA1
. In 2010 he was awarded the Order of Canada
, following his receipt of the Order of British Columbia
in 2009. Hayden received the Canada Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
in 2011, and in 2009 was named Canada’s Health Researcher of the Year and received the CIHR Michael Smith Prize in Health Research - Biomedical and Clinical Research. In addition to his academic work, Hayden is also the founder of three biotechnology companies, NeuroVir, Xenon Genetics Inc. and Aspreva Pharmaceuticals. He is the Chief Scientific Director of Xenon.
. Along with his research team, Hayden has identified 10 disease-causing genes, which includes the identification of the major gene underlying high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in humans. This gene, known as ABCA1
, has major implications for atherosclerosis
and diabetes. Hayden also identified the first mutations underlying Lipoprotein lipase deficiency
(LPL) and developed gene therapy
approaches to treat this condition. He is also co-leader of the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety project, a BC-led Genome Canada-funded, national strategy to prevent adverse drug reactions.
, South Africa
. After the divorce of his parents, when he was eight, Hayden was raised by his single mother. He originally planned on becoming a lawyer but instead opted for medical school, as he soon realized that as a lawyer he would not be able to bring about much change. In 1975, he graduated from the University of Cape Town as the top graduate in medicine, where he also received his PhD in Genetics (1979). He completed a post-doctoral fellowship and further training in Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Michael is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Clinical Genetics. He moved to Canada and joined UBC in #### from the Children’s Hospital in Boston, a teaching arm of Harvard Medical School.
He is married and has four children.
in 1995, the Board of the American Society of Human Genetics
in 1994 and the American Society of Clinical Investigation in 1992.
In 2006, he received five different Entrepreneurial Awards including the Career Achievement Award from the BC Innovation Council and the BC Biotech Life Sciences award for Company of the Year.
Most recently, as part of CMMT’s 15 year anniversary celebrations, Hayden made the CMMT research laboratories available for an art and science exhibit, featuring the work of local artists that examined the integration of art and science.
Medical genetics
Medical genetics is the specialty of medicine that involves the diagnosis and management of hereditary disorders. Medical genetics differs from Human genetics in that human genetics is a field of scientific research that may or may not apply to medicine, but medical genetics refers to the...
at the University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research university. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley...
and Canada Research Chair in Human Genetics
Human genetics
Human genetics describes the study of inheritance as it occurs in human beings. Human genetics encompasses a variety of overlapping fields including: classical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, genomics, population genetics, developmental genetics, clinical genetics,...
and Molecular Medicine
Molecular medicine
Molecular medicine is a broad field, where physical, chemical, biological and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and to develop molecular interventions to correct them...
, Hayden is best known for his research in Huntington disease (HD). He is also the founder and director of the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics
Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics
The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics is part of the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. The Centre is located at the Child & Family Research Institute in Vancouver, Canada...
, part of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and affiliated with the Child & Family Research Institute and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Hayden is the most cited author in the world for HD and ABCA1
ABCA1
ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 , also known as the cholesterol efflux regulatory protein is a protein which in humans is encoded by the ABCA1 gene...
. In 2010 he was awarded the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, following his receipt of the Order of British Columbia
Order of British Columbia
The Order of British Columbia is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Instituted in 1989 by Lieutenant Governor David Lam, on the advice of the Cabinet under Premier Bill Vander Zalm, the order is administered by the Governor-in-Council and is intended to honour...
in 2009. Hayden received the Canada Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
The Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award is given from time to time to a Canadian who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in medicine and medical science. 2009 it has been renamed to Canada Gairdner Wightman Award. Previous winners are:...
in 2011, and in 2009 was named Canada’s Health Researcher of the Year and received the CIHR Michael Smith Prize in Health Research - Biomedical and Clinical Research. In addition to his academic work, Hayden is also the founder of three biotechnology companies, NeuroVir, Xenon Genetics Inc. and Aspreva Pharmaceuticals. He is the Chief Scientific Director of Xenon.
Science
Hayden’s research focus is primarily on genetic diseases, including genetics of [lipoprotein] disorders, Huntington disease, predictive and personalized medicinePersonalized medicine
Personalized medicine is a medical model emphasizing in general the customization of healthcare, with all decisions and practices being tailored to individual patients in whatever ways possible...
. Along with his research team, Hayden has identified 10 disease-causing genes, which includes the identification of the major gene underlying high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in humans. This gene, known as ABCA1
ABCA1
ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 , also known as the cholesterol efflux regulatory protein is a protein which in humans is encoded by the ABCA1 gene...
, has major implications for atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which an artery wall thickens as a result of the accumulation of fatty materials such as cholesterol...
and diabetes. Hayden also identified the first mutations underlying Lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Lipoprotein lipase deficiency is caused by a mutation in the gene which codes lipoprotein lipase....
(LPL) and developed gene therapy
Gene therapy
Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development...
approaches to treat this condition. He is also co-leader of the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety project, a BC-led Genome Canada-funded, national strategy to prevent adverse drug reactions.
Biography
Hayden was born in 1951 in Cape TownCape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. After the divorce of his parents, when he was eight, Hayden was raised by his single mother. He originally planned on becoming a lawyer but instead opted for medical school, as he soon realized that as a lawyer he would not be able to bring about much change. In 1975, he graduated from the University of Cape Town as the top graduate in medicine, where he also received his PhD in Genetics (1979). He completed a post-doctoral fellowship and further training in Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Michael is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Clinical Genetics. He moved to Canada and joined UBC in #### from the Children’s Hospital in Boston, a teaching arm of Harvard Medical School.
He is married and has four children.
Honours
Hayden is the recipient of numerous prestigious honours and awards. In May 2011, he received the Aubrey J. Tingle Prize which is given to a clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized and has significant impact on advancing clinical or health services and policy research in BC and globally. In April 2011, he received the Margolese National Brain Disorder Prize, awarded to Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the treatment, amelioration, or cure of brain diseases; the Killam Prize by the Canada Council of the Arts, in recognition of his outstanding career achievements. In March 2011, he was the recipient of the Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence for his outstanding contributions to the development of British Columbia’s life sciences industry; and the Canada Gairdner Wightman award, recognizing him as a physician-scientist who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in medicine and medical science. In December 2010, he was awarded the Order of Canada, which is the highest honour that Canada can give its citizens for exceptional achievement, merit or service. He also was awarded the Jacob Biely Prize which is UBC's premier research prize in 2010. In 2009, Hayden was awarded the Order of British Columbia. This highest form of recognition by the Province is given to a select few who have served with the greatest distinction and benefited the people of the Province, Canada and the world. In June 2009, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Alberta. In 2008 he was named Canada’s Health Researcher of the Year by CIHR and was also one of the five finalists of the Globe and Mail’s 2008 Nation Builder competition which is equivalent to Canada’s Person of the Year. In 2007 he received the Prix Galien, which recognizes the outstanding contribution of a researcher to Canadian pharmaceutical research. Hayden was elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2005, the Royal Society of CanadaRoyal Society of Canada
The Royal Society of Canada , may also operate under the more descriptive name RSC: The Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada , is the oldest association of scientists and scholars in Canada...
in 1995, the Board of the American Society of Human Genetics
American Society of Human Genetics
The American Society of Human Genetics , founded in 1948, is the primary professional membership organization for specialists in human genetics worldwide. As of 2009, the organization had approximately 8,000 members...
in 1994 and the American Society of Clinical Investigation in 1992.
In 2006, he received five different Entrepreneurial Awards including the Career Achievement Award from the BC Innovation Council and the BC Biotech Life Sciences award for Company of the Year.
Outreach
Hayden initiated and led an international effort to bring benefit to a community living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. In collaboration with colleagues around the world, he spearheaded the development of a youth-friendly recreation, counseling, and Learning Centre in direct partnership with the township of Masiphumelele in Cape Town. This centre aims to promote responsible sexual behaviors among at-risk youth, empower HIV/AIDS-affected youth, and build a sense of self and community-participation within the township.Art and Science
In 1999, when Hayden was co-chairing a meeting in Vancouver, for the Human Genome Project, and participants were planning the announcement of the first draft of the sequence, he thought of using art as a way for scientists to enter into a dialogue with the public, as a way to communicate the massive genetic breakthrough and its implications. He commissioned the Electric Company Theatre, to produce a play about genetics. In 2005, with the support of Genome Canada, he commissioned a play, The Score, which tells the story of a brilliant geneticist who discovers that she has the same Huntington gene that killed her mother. Ethical issues and genetic determinism then surface after she discovers that she is pregnant. The Score was adapted for the big screen.Most recently, as part of CMMT’s 15 year anniversary celebrations, Hayden made the CMMT research laboratories available for an art and science exhibit, featuring the work of local artists that examined the integration of art and science.
See also
- Huntington Disease
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and TherapeuticsCentre for Molecular Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics is part of the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. The Centre is located at the Child & Family Research Institute in Vancouver, Canada...
- BC Children's Hospital FoundationBC Children's Hospital FoundationBC Children’s Hospital Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises money to support the British Columbia's Children's Hospital. The Foundation works with communities to raise funds for essentials including: life-saving equipment, research into childhood diseases, a wide range of medical...
- Tangier DiseaseTangier diseaseTangier disease is a rare inherited disorder characterized by a severe reduction in the amount of high density lipoprotein , often referred to as "good cholesterol," in the bloodstream.-Diagnosis:...
- University of British ColumbiaUniversity of British ColumbiaThe University of British Columbia is a public research university. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley...
- Personalized MedicinePersonalized medicinePersonalized medicine is a medical model emphasizing in general the customization of healthcare, with all decisions and practices being tailored to individual patients in whatever ways possible...
- Masiphumelele
Most cited publications
- Brooks-Wilson A, Marcil M, Clee SM, Zhang LH, Roomp K, van Dam M, Yu L, Brewer C, Collins JA, Molhuizen HOF, Loubser O, Ouellette BFF, Fichter K, Ashbourne-Excoffon K, Sense CW, Scherer S, Mott S, Martindale D, Morgan K, Koop B, Pimstone S, Kastelein JJP, Genest Jr. J, Hayden MR. Mutations in ABC1 in Tangier disease and familial high-density lipoprotein deficiency. Nat Genet. 22:336-45. PMID: 10431236 cited 1,014 times
- Zuccato C, Ciammola A, Rigamonte D, Leavitt BR, Goffredo D, Conti L, MacDonald M, Friedlander RM, Silani V, Hayden MR, Timmusk T, Sipione S, Cattaneo E. Loss of huntingtin-mediated BDNF gene transcription in Huntington’s Disease. Science. 293:493-8. PMID: 11408619 cited 481 times
- Andrew SE, Goldberg YP, Kremer B, Telenius H, Theilmann J, Adam S, Starr E, Squitieri F, Lin B, Kalchman MA, Graham RK, Hayden MR. The relationship between trinucleotide repeat length (CAG) and clinical features of Huntington disease. Nat Genet. 4:398-403. PMID: 8401589 cited 468 times
- Huntington Study Group. Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale: Reliability and Consistency. Mov Disord. 11(2):136-142. PMID: 8684382 cited 462 times
- Papanikolaou G, Samuels ME, Ludwig EH, MacDonald MLE, Franchini PL, Dubé MP, Andres L, MacFarlane J, Sakellaropoulos N, Politou M, Nemeth E, Thompson J, Risler JK, Zaborowska C, Babakaiff R, Radomski CC, Pape TD, Davidas O, Christakis J, Brissot P, Lockitch G, Ganz T, Hayden MR, Goldberg YP. Mutations in HFE2 cause iron overload in chromosome 1q–linked juvenile hemochromatosis. Nat Genet. 36:77-82. PMID: 14647275 cited 416 times
- Hodgson JG, Agopyan N, Gutekunst C-A, Smith DM, LePiane F, Leavitt BR, Bissada N, McCutcheon K, Nasir J, Singaraja R, Jamot L, Li X-J, Rosemond E, Roder JC, Phillips AG, Rubin EM, Hersch SM, Hayden MR. A YAC mouse model for Huntington’s disease with full-length mutant huntingtin (httP) cytoplasmic toxicity, nuclear translocation of htt, and selective striatal neurodegeneration. Neuron. 23:181-92. PMID: 10402204 cited 412 times
- Goldberg YP, Nicholson DW, Rasper DM, Kalchman MA, Koide HB, Graham RK, Bromm M, Kazemi-Esfarjani P, Thornberry NA, Vaillancourt JP, Hayden MR. Cleavage of huntingtin by apopain, a proapoptotic cysteine protease, is modulated by the polyglutamine tract. Nat Genet. 13:442-9. PMID: 8696339 cited 400 times
- Panov AV, Gutekunst C-A, Leavitt BR, Hayden MR, Burke JR, Strittmatter WJ, Greenamyre JT. Early mitochondrial calcium defects in Huntington’s disease: a direct effect of polyglutamines. Nat Neurosci. 5:731-6. PMID: 12089530 cited 378 times
- Nasir J, Floresco SB, O’Kusky JR, Diewert VM, Richman JM, Zeisler J, Borowski A, Marth JD, Phillips AG, Hayden MR. Targeted Disruption of the Huntington’s Disease Gene Results in Embryonic Lethality and Behavioural and Morphological changes in Heterozygotes. Cell. 81:811-23. PMID: 7774020 cited 329 times
- Wellington CL, Ellerby LM, Hackam AS, Margolis RL, Trifiro MA, Singaraja R, McCutcheon K, Salvesen GS, Propp SS, Bromm M, Rowland KJ, Zhang T, Rasper D, Roy S, Thornberry N, Pinsky L, Kakizuka A, Ross CA, Nicholson DW, Bredesen DE, Hayden MR. Caspase cleavage of gene products associated with triplet expansion disorders generates truncated fragments containing the polyglutamine tract. J Biol Chem. 273:9158-67. PMID: 9535906 cited 306 times