2016 Spring/Summer Highlights of Hope

Spring 2016 van andel institute’s
Highlights of
HOPE
Exploring the Epigenetic Landscape of Parkinson’s Disease
Neuroepigenetics offers unique insight into Parkinson’s disease risk and future therapies.
An emerging area of
research, known as
neuroepigenetics, could
provide a new avenue for
the development of novel
diagnostics and therapies
for Parkinson’s—a disease
that affects seven to 10
million people globally.
If the genetic code is a musical score,
then epigenetics represent the various
ways in which it may or may not be
played. Although the actual notes on
the sheet music do not change, the
choice of key, instrument, volume
and even the omission of parts of the
piece alters what the listener hears.
In much the same way, epigenetic
modifications do not change the DNA
sequence—which is virtually identical
in all cells in a person’s body—
rather, they regulate how the DNA is
expressed. Epigenetics control how
the DNA is used, switching particular
genes “on” or “off” to determine cell
type and function. Disruptions in these
epigenetic controls also may play
significant roles in the development of
Parkinson’s and many other diseases.
“We know a fair amount about
the role of epigenetic mechanisms
in cancer, specifically how genes
are switched
‘on’ and ‘off’
inappropriately,
but we know far
less about how
these processes
Peter Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc.
occur and
function in the
brain,” said Peter Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc.,
VARI’s research director and a world
renowned epigenetics expert. “There
is great potential for epigenetics to
revolutionize our understanding of how
neurodegenerative diseases occur and
progress.”
New appointments, new
insights
Gerhard (Gerry) Coetzee, Ph.D., and
Viviane Labrie, Ph.D., recently joined
the Institute to explore the genetic
and epigenetic underpinnings of
Parkinson’s. Both scientists will utilize
cutting-edge techniques to better
identify and understand risk factors
and causes of neurodegeneration,
paving the way for new therapies that
slow or stop disease progression.
Coetzee, an expert with more than
30 years of experience in molecular
biology and large scale genomic
studies who joined the Institute from
University of Southern California, is
well known in the cancer field and
has made several discoveries in both
breast and prostate cancers. Currently,
he applies his expertise in genetic
and epigenetic cancer research to
pinpointing specific risk factors for
Parkinson’s.
“Joining VARI
is an incredible
opportunity
to apply the
techniques we’ve
used to further our
understanding of
Gerhard Coetzee, Ph.D.
cancer risk factors
to Parkinson’s,” Coetzee said. “I have
a long career in cancer research and
in order to apply my work in genetics
to Parkinson’s I require strong, active
collaborators. I have found that
in my colleagues in the Center for
Neurodegenerative Science.”
Less than 10 percent of
Parkinson’s cases have a
known genetic link. The
remaining majority of
cases occur have no known
cause, although scientists
theorize a combination of
genetic, epigenetic and
environmental factors may
be involved.
Continued on page 2

spring 2016 van andel institute’s
Highlightsof HOPE
Coetzee’s research utilizes genomewide
association studies (GWAS) to
link pieces of the genome to physical
traits, helping narrow down regions
that may be associated with a
particular disease. Dozens of pieces
of genome variations—called SNPs—
have been linked to Parkinson’s, and
Coetzee’s research aims to narrow
these SNPs down even further and
define how they influence risk for
neurodegenerative diseases. His
work could lead to a roadmap for
genomically-based diagnostics and
targeted, effective therapies for
Parkinson’s.
Labrie, who joined the Institute in
March from University of Toronto,
also searches for risk factors. In
particular, her research will identify
abnormally regulated regions
of the genome and investigate
how these areas contribute to
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two
most common neurodegenerative
diseases. Labrie’s discoveries could
reveal the underlying mechanisms
that contribute to the onset and
progression of neurodegenerative
diseases and provide
new opportunities for
early diagnosis and
treatment.
“Epigenetics may
be an important
Viviane Labrie, Ph.D. crossroads for
both genetic and
environmental risk factors for
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases,”
Labrie said. “We know that epigenetic
marks are central to the function of
healthy brain cells, yet do change
within an individual over time
and in response to environmental
triggers. Knowing how these changes
accumulate with age may be
important in better understanding
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s—both of
which occur later in life.”
Building on a solid strategy
Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D.,
leads the Institute’s Center for
Neurodegenerative Science and
looks forward to applying the
Institute’s work in neuroepigenetics
to the Center’s three strategic areas
of focus—disease modification,
identifying biomarkers and restoring
brain function.
“As part of our efforts
to modify course of
Parkinson’s disease, we
hope to
learn about
epigenetic
disease
mechanisms
Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D.
that we can
target for
treatment,” Brundin said.
“It’s possible we will find
epigenetic biomarkers
in blood or peripheral
tissues that will tell us
who is at risk for getting
Parkinson’s before disease
onset. We also hope to use
epigenetic strategies in cell
reprogramming in order
to restore brain function.
It’s truly an exciting and
promising field.”
GLOSSARY
Epigenetics: Epigenetics is the study of how the modification and packaging of DNA influences which genes are turned “on” or
“off” in a cell. Without changing the actual structure of the genetic code, epigenetic marks control the way genes are expressed.
Some epigenetic changes are known to cause cancer and other diseases.
2 | Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope

Searching for the Origins of Ovarian Cancer
All cells in the human body have
an “epigenetic fingerprint” that
acts as a molecular memory.
Cancer cells are no exception. By
determining and comparing the
“epigenetic fingerprints” of specific
genomic regions of ovarian cancer
cells to those of normal ovarian
cell types, Van Andel Research
Institute (VARI) Assistant Professor
Hui Shen, Ph.D., plans to determine
which of the normal cell types
Hui Shen, Ph.D.
are the origin of the cancer cells.
This information will give scientists and physicians a crucial
piece of the puzzle when developing new therapies and
determining appropriate therapies.
To recognize and support her efforts, the Ovarian Cancer
Research Fund (OCRF) awarded Shen the Liz Tilberis Early
Career Award, a prestigious award given to junior scientific
investigators who demonstrate a substantial commitment to
an investigative career in ovarian cancer research. OCRF is
the oldest and largest charity in the U.S. that funds ovarian
cancer research.
Shen joined VARI in 2014 after
serving as a research associate at the
University of Southern California. She
plays an integral role in The Cancer
Genome Atlas, a National Institutes of
Health-funded, multi-institutional effort
to characterize many different cancers.
Shen also participates in the work of
the VARI–Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)
Epigenetics Dream Team.
“Although researching the
origin of ovarian cancer is
complex, the goal of my work is simple—
to better understand ovarian cancer and
to use this knowledge to find ways to
intervene earlier,” Shen said.
Shen will be speaking about her work during the Institute’s
A Conversation About Women’s Health: Common cancers
affecting women event on Nov. 16, 2016.
Save the Date!
A Conversation about Women’s Health: Common cancers affecting women
Presentation and Q+A with Hui Shen, Ph.D.
Nov. 16, 2016
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Van Andel Institute – 333 Bostwick Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope | 3

spring 2016 van andel institute’s
Highlightsof HOPE
Van Andel Institute Graduate School - Training Top-Tier Scientists
Emily Machiela, a Ph.D. candidate at Van Andel Institute
Graduate School (VAIGS), investigates new ways to slow
and reverse the effects of neurodegeneration caused by
diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. While pursuing
her degree, Emily has worked closely with Jeremy Van
Raamsdonk, Ph.D., assistant professor in Van Andel
Research Institute’s Center for Neurodegenerative Science.
Emily joined VAIGS after completing clinical research
internships in 2013 at both Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and
Mary Free Bed. Her decision to pursue a Ph.D. at VAIGS was
based on the program’s distinctive inquiry-based approach.
“The opportunity to become an expert who specializes in
one area of biomedical research motivated me to enroll
in the Van Andel Institute Graduate School,” Emily said.
“The program forces me to think critically, ask questions
and design creative solutions to problems associated with
neurodegenerative diseases. It is the most fascinating and
challenging experience of my life.”
Collaborating with a small cohort of four people alongside
physicians and scientists from a variety of backgrounds
has helped Emily develop her professional skill set. Her
work in the lab is an integral part of the VAIGS educational
experience, and after spending hours conducting research,
her peers feel more like coworkers than classmates.
Emily Machiela—Ph.D. candidate at Van Andel Institute Graduate School
“Van Andel Institute Graduate School is not a
traditional university setting—I am treated like
a working scientist and given a lot of freedom
to pursue what I am interested in,” Emily said.
“More importantly, I am also held accountable
for my ideas by top experts in my field and
given access to the tools that help me grow
as a scientist.”
NEXGEN INQUIRY TM EXPANDS ITS REACH
In 2015, the Institute launched NexGen Inquiry, a web-based science
education platform that connects students and teachers from around
the world to inquiry-based science education methods. The Institute
is in the process of rolling out this exciting new platform. Through a
successful outreach campaign, NexGen Inquiry has established:
Geographic footprint
includes all 50 states
and 7 countries
163,000+ browser
sessions since launch
1,750 teacher
accounts
8,725 student accounts 3,150 investigation
templates (made by
teachers)
You can help provide NexGen Inquiry for students and teachers by making a gift at www.vai.org/supportnexgen.
For more information, contact Teresa Marchetti at 616.234.5040.
4 | Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope

A Donor’s Story: Love at First Sight—
Robin and Mike Schwark
Robin met Mike Schwark during their junior year at
the University of Michigan. Robin was the business
manager of the U-M hockey band and Mike was
a young saxophone player. On the first day of
rehearsal, Robin noticed Mike looking at her from
across the room, and when their eyes met, it was
love at first sight.
Mike and Robin were married on Halloween. It was a
day picked by coincidence, but instead of changing
the date, the two embraced the craziness of the
holiday and incorporated costumes and decorations
into their wedding reception. Mike was a gorilla and
Robin was Groucho Marx. Their wedding was the
beginning of a beautiful family that would grow to
include three sons and serve as a source of strength
during Mike’s battle with brain cancer.
Robin and Mike Schwark with their three sons Kallen, Aaron and Adam.
Mike passed away in the family home on Oct. 27,
2014—four days before their anniversary. After
Mike’s passing, Robin received an outpouring of support
from friends and those who had known Mike professionally.
Mike, a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC, had
developed a network of hundreds of clients that he treated
like family. His long-time business partner and friend,
Barbara Paneral, was one of the speakers at Mike’s funeral.
“When Mike died in 2014, Barbara and the employees in
Mike’s office wanted to honor him, so they hosted fundraisers
throughout 2015 to collect funds for Van Andel Institute,”
Robin said. “It started out with a pancake breakfast, because
Mike loved pancakes, and the fundraisers took off from
there.”
Mike’s co-workers raised more than $10,000 to benefit brain
cancer research at the Institute, and Mike’s name will be
added to the Institute’s donor wall during the Leadership and
Legacy event in May 2016.
Robin is encouraged by the Institute’s work in brain cancer
and is pleased that the funds collected in her husband’s
memory went directly to fund research.
“The more I read, the more I discovered that there
is real lack of funding for brain cancer research,”
Robin said. “When I found out that the Institute
was studying brain cancer, I was thrilled.”
Mike Schwark was a proud father, a loving husband and a
person who touched many lives. Robin believes his legacy is
evident in the way he lived, up until the very last moment.
“Mike always said, ‘Whatever can be learned from
my experience will help the next person with this
cancer,’ Robin said. “He was never angry, nor
sad, and he showed our boys how to live during
adversity—with love, faith and humor. It was a
glorious marriage.”
Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope | 5

spring 2016
van andel institute’s
Highlightsof HOPE
Register for the Purple Community® 5K Run/Walk + Fun Run!
Get ready for the warm weather running season with Purple Community. Our second annual
5K Run / Walk + Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, and 100 percent of the proceeds
benefit cancer and neurodegenerative disease research at Van Andel Institute. The 5K takes
place at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Michigan.
You can get involved in the Purple Community 5K in a variety of ways:
• Register as an individual
• Form a team by becoming a team captain
• Join a team to begin fundraising
• Donate and make a difference
Register at purplecommunity.org
For information on the Purple Community 5K Run/Walk contact Ashley Owen at Ashley.Owen@vai.org.
AROUND THE WORLD
Around the World, a fine food and wine tasting event hosted by Van Andel
Institute’s JBoard Ambassadors in December 2015, brought more than 200
people to the Institute for a night of fundraising and activism. All proceeds
from Around the World benefited the Institute’s Pathway of Hope tuberous
sclerosis research initiative.
Join the JBoard Ambassadors! JBoard Ambassadors provides a forum, a framework and an opportunity for
building engaging relationships between young professionals and Van Andel Institute (VAI). In addition to various events
throughout the year, a donation of $250 includes the following opportunities:
• News and information about VAI’s biomedical research and
science education programs
• Quarterly Lunch & Learn events
• Two complimentary tickets to VAI’s Winterfest Celebration
• Professional networking connections
• Annual health science forums and luncheons
throughout the year
• Recognition on VAI’s website and in VAI’s
annual report
Contact Teresa Marchetti at 616.234.5040 to join the JBoard today!
6 | Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope

Starting a New Conversation About Depression
More than 18 million Americans have depression, yet it
remains one of the most socially stigmatized conditions. It
can include a host of symptoms—difficulty concentrating,
feelings of guilt, disinterest in usual activities, sleep
problems, unhealthy appetite changes and thoughts of
helplessness—that make everyday life seem overwhelming.
In severe cases, depression can lead to suicide.
Last fall, Van Andel Institute addressed the topic of
depression during A Conversation About Depression – Hosted
by Carol Van Andel. The event was an opportunity for the
community to hear directly from experts like Van Andel
Research Institute Associate Professor Lena Brundin, M.D.,
Ph.D.; Eric Achtyes, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry
and director of the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Medicine at Michigan State University College of Human
Medicine; and Bill Sanders, D.O., psychiatry residency
program director at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health
Services.
Brundin and her team study the role that inflammation—
the body’s primary response to infection and other triggers,
including autoimmune activity—plays in depression and
suicidality.
Through a collaborative study with Pine Rest, one of
Brundin’s research projects investigates the link between
depression and neuroinflammation during pregnancy and the
post-partum period. She and her colleagues are searching
for better ways to identify women at risk of developing
depression while also investigating new treatment options
for depression and suicidality during this critical period.
“It’s exciting
to think that
medications
currently used for
the treatment of
inflammation and
infection could
help people with
depression and
become part of
a psychiatrist’s
toolkit. Research
advances are
important, but
family and friends
also play a vital Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D.
role in helping
those with depression,” Brundin said.
“It’s often these people that can help identify depressive
symptoms while providing a network to help the person seek
help and recover from their symptoms. It was a wonderful
experience seeing so many people from the community
come together to support those with depression.”
For information on the Institute’s health advocacy events
visit vai.org.
GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory medication: Anti-inflammatory medications, which include aspirin and ibuprofen, reduce pain,
fevers and other inflammation responses in the body. They work by inhibiting the production of chemicals in the
body that cause inflammation.
Van Andel Institute Highlights of Hope | 7

LEAVING A LEGACY FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS
Including Van Andel Institute (VAI) in your estate plans is a great way to make
a lasting impact on biomedical research and science education that will benefit
generations to come. Donors who include VAI in their estate plans are invited to
join the Society of Hope and receive recognition in our annual report.
333 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Here are a few planning strategies that can help you provide
for your heirs and leave your legacy:
Bequests
A bequest made through
your will or trust is one of
the most common ways to
provide from your estate for
heirs and favorite charities.
You can make a bequest of a
dollar amount, specific asset
or percentage of your estate.
Beneficiary designations
By completing a simple form,
you can designate heirs and
charities as the beneficiary
of retirement plans, financial
accounts and life insurance
policies.
Give it twice trust
You can set up a special
charitable remainder trust that
will pay income to your heirs
and then leave the remaining
principle to a charity.
For more information about gift planning, please contact Patrick Placzkowski at
616-234-5030 or Teresa Marchetti at 616-234-5040.
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