Faculty Research

DNA Replication and Repair; Transcription; Mobile DNA

This group focuses on understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms that regulate chromosome structure and function, as well as gene expression, in normal and diseased states. Techniques used include bioinformatics, proteomics, genomics, molecular biology, structural biology, epigenetics, and genetics of model organisms.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Gabriel DiMattia	Growth factor signalling in ovarian cancer
David Edgell	Mobile genetic elements
Gregory Gloor	Protein coevolution
Victor Han	Fetal, placental, newborn growth/development
Ilka Heinemann	RNA turnover and polymerases
Murray Junop	DNA repair
Bogumil Karas	Synthetic biology, designer microbes, DNA replacement strategies
Hong Ling	DNA damage response and regulation
Geoffrey Pickering	Smooth muscle cells in vascular disease
Caroline Schild-Poulter	Cellular response to DNA damage
Joseph Torchia	Eukaryotic gene regulation in oncogenesis

Disease-Based Research; Clinical Studies

Scientists in the Human Genetics and Clinical Biochemistry group perform basic research of the molecular causes behind specific human diseases and/or clinical studies involving specific human diseases. This research integrates state-of-the-art molecular technologies and bioinformatics with clinical work, so that basic research discoveries can be translated into effective treatments and cures for patients.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Gabriel DiMattia	Growth factor signalling in ovarian cancer
Victor Han	Fetal, placental, newborn growth/development
Robert Hegele	Genetic basis of specific human diseases
Geoffrey Pickering	Smooth muscle cells in vascular disease
Anthony Rupar	Therapies for metachromatic leukodystrophy
Caroline Schild-Poulter	Cellular response to DNA damage
Joseph Torchia	Eukaryotic gene regulation in oncogenesis
Eva Turley	Signalling paths of cell motility and tumour invasion

Signalling Pathways

Researchers in the field of Signal Transduction and Intracellular Communication investigate the mechanisms and role of cellular signalling pathways in the regulation of fundamental biological processes. These events include cell proliferation, cell survival, differentiation, and development. This research exploits such techniques as bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, cellular and molecular biology, structural biology, and transgenic and knockout technologies.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Harvey Goldberg	Bone proteins
Marlys Koschinsky	Lipoprotein(a) structure and regulation
Shawn Li	Structure, function, connectivity of cellular proteins
Hong Ling	DNA damage response and regulation
David Litchfield	Signalling events in cell proliferation and survival
Kun Ping Lu	Pin1 in cancer, neurodegeneration, and sepsis
Patrick O'Donoghue	Genetic code evolution and engineering
Geoffrey Pickering	Smooth muscle cells in vascular disease
Gary Shaw	Calcium signalling proteins; protein degradation
Eva Turley	Signalling paths of cell motility and tumour invasion

Protein Biochemistry; Structural Biology

Members of the Macromolecular Structure and Dynamics Group study the role that specific proteins and protein systems play in certain diseases, with a focus on understanding protein function at the atomic and molecular levels. This group frequently uses biophysical techniques and conventional molecular biology to determine the 3-D structure, dynamics, and interactions of biomolecules. Methods include NMR spectroscopy, crystallography, proteomics, and mass spectrometry.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Michael Boffa	Proteolysis in fibrinolysis and cancer
James Choy	Intrinsically disordered proteins
Martin Duennwald	protein misfolding and quality control in neurodegenerative diseases
Christopher Garnham	management of agricultural crop pests
Harvey Goldberg	Bone proteins
Robert Hudson	Bioorganic chemistry of nucleic acids and peptides
Murray Junop	DNA repair
Lars Konermann	Protein folding, dynamics, function; biocomputing
Marlys Koschinsky	Lipoprotein(a) structure and regulation
Gilles Lajoie	Mass spectrometry/proteomics: biomolecules
Shawn Li	Structure, function, connectivity of cellular proteins
Hong Ling	DNA damage response and regulation
David Litchfield	Signalling events in cell proliferation and survival
Patrick O'Donoghue	Genetic code evolution and engineering
Gary Shaw	Calcium signalling proteins; protein degradation
Brian Shilton	Enzyme structure, mechanism, and biological function
Ken Yeung	Tissue imaging by mass spectrometry

Biomolecular Characterization; Disease-Based Research

This group uses proteomic techniques to understand normal cellular processes and alterations in these processes in diseases such as cancer, fetal disorders, and oral diseases. Through biomolecular identification and characterization, this group aims to develop prognostics, diagnostics, and therapeutics for these diseases.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Victor Han	Fetal, placental, newborn growth/development
Lars Konermann	Protein folding, dynamics, function; biocomputing
Gilles Lajoie	Mass spectrometry/proteomics: biomolecules
Shawn Li	Structure, function, connectivity of cellular proteins
David Litchfield	Signalling events in cell proliferation and survival
Ken Yeung	Tissue imaging by mass spectrometry

Disease Prediction; Protein Coevolution; Biocomputing

This group applies bioinformatic approaches to further understanding of biological processes. In addition to computational and information technologies, this group uses genomics, molecular biology, and high-throughput sequencing.

Faculty Researcher	Research Area
Tallulah Andrews	Analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data
James Choy	Intrinsically disordered proteins
David Edgell	Mobile genetic elements
Mike Hallett	Single-cell profiling technologies; computational models for cellular causal and correlative relationships; breast-cancer informatics
Gregory Gloor	Protein coevolution
Bogumil Karas	Synthetic biology, designer microbes, DNA replacement strategies
Gilles Lajoie	Mass spectrometry/proteomics: biomolecules
Shawn Li	Structure, function, connectivity of cellular proteins
Patrick O'Donoghue	Genetic code evolution and engineering