Jerry Vriend, PhD

Research summary

Dr. Jerry Vriend’s current research focuses on the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in cancers. By analyzing publicly available datasets, he investigates genes encoding ubiquitin conjugases and ligases related to cancer cell proliferation. His work aims to identify potential therapeutic targets in various cancers, including medulloblastoma, ovarian cancer, and glioma.

Research interests

• Melatonin: role in regulation of thyroid hormones
• Ubiquitin proteasome system in cancer

Brief bio

Dr. Jerry Vriend is a professor in the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, specializing in human anatomy and cell sciences. Born in the Netherlands in 1946, he grew up in northern British Columbia after his family immigrated to Canada.

Dr. Vriend began his research career in Edmonton, Alberta, where he conducted a project on the reproductive effects of environmental lighting on mice as part of his MSc program. He continued his research in San Antonio, Texas, under the guidance of Dr. Russel J. Reiter, a leading expert on the pineal gland and melatonin. He completed his postdoctoral training in the department of anatomy and the neuroendocrine unit at the University of Rochester in New York.

In 1981, Dr. Vriend joined the department of anatomy at the University of Manitoba, where he has been teaching anatomy and conducting research ever since.

Education

• Doctor of philosophy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas (1978)
• Master of science, University of Alberta, Edmonton (1972)
• Bachelor of arts, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1969)

Awards

• Merit Award for Teaching in the Faculty of Medicine, nominated by Dr. Tom Klonisch (2008)
• Award for Teaching Excellence, 4th Year Medicine, University of Manitoba Teaching Services (2008)