Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Cancer is a complex and diverse group of diseases characterized by over 12 different hallmarks such as uncontrolled growth, resisting cell death, and errors in cell division. This is primarily driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Despite decades of research and major advances in treatment, achieving durable responses remains challenging because of this complexity. One promising strategy focuses on a family of proteins called Inhibitor of Apoptosis, which help cancer cells survive by blocking enzymes that trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis). Drugs known as SMAC mimetics have been developed to counteract this mechanism by disabling the Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins, making cancer cells more likely to die. Beyond survival pathways, cancer progression also involves communication between cells through tiny particles called exosomes. These particles, released by nearly all cell types, have a critical role in cell-to-cell signalling and can influence immune responses. Our recent findings show that SMAC mimetics significantly increase exosome release from cancer cells, suggesting a previously unexplored link between apoptosis regulation and intercellular communication. My research will investigate how SMAC mimetics alter exosome production across multiple cancer types and how these particles interact with the immune system to control tumor growth. Understanding this relationship could reveal new ways to harness the body's own immune defenses, leading to treatments that are both more effective and less toxic. Ultimately, this work aims to advance precision medicine approaches that improve outcomes for patients with diverse and hard-to-treat cancers.