Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Cancer is an individualized disease - each patient's tumor is a unique combination of genetic changes that drive its development. Recent advances in DNA sequencing of individual tumors have enabled scientists to identify the specific genetic changes (mutations) that are driving the tumor growth, and offer the promise of personalized treatments based on these changes. Unfortunately, our ability to identify the specific genetic changes of a tumor far exceeds our ability to make use of this knowledge therapeutically, as most of the genetic changes do not currently have targeted treatments. A large percentage of brain and bladder tumors contain mutations in cohesin (a protein complex important for accurate division of genetic material) but no drug has been developed yet to target this genetic vulnerability. Research performed in our lab has previously identified two potential therapeutic targets (FEN1 and DDX11) for treatment of tumors containing mutations in cohesin. We have also previously identified chemical inhibitors of FEN1 activity which are currently in pre-clinical trials. My research focuses on the second target identified - DDX11. My goal is to develop DDX11 as a therapeutic target using a similar approach to the one used to develop FEN1 inhibitors. I aim to demonstrate that targeting DDX11 can selectively kill cancer cells that have mutations in cohesin. In addition, I intend to identify drugs capable of inhibiting DDX11 activity and to test these on a range of cancer-derived cells. This research will provide new treatments for tumors that previously did not have therapeutic options. Personalized cancer therapy is being adopted on the frontlines of cancer treatment and has been successful in treating cancers that have resisted conventional treatment. My research is driving the development of a new class of drugs that can contribute to the potential of personalized cancer therapy.