Canada Research Chair in RNA Biology and Cancer Genomics
Shedding light on cancer cell biology
Professor Sherif Abou Elela, Canada Research Chair in RNA Biology and Cancer Genomics, is seeking to better understand the biology of cancer cells. He is doing so by examining how the maturation and degradation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) - part of a cell - can define how cells function.
Research work in the Abou Elela Lab showed that RNA is a major source of cancer biomarkers and may predict tumour behaviour and drug resistance. Over the next seven years, Abou Elela and his team will used introns - the part of DNA that is eliminated as the cell matures - and other cell processes to better understand and treat cancer.
Main Objective of the Research Program
Understanding the mechanism of RNA degradation and its role in cancer biology.
Chairholder
Sherif Abou Elela
Profile
Sherif Abou Elela is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Infectiology of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Fields of expertise and research
Splicing, Nutrient sensing, Intron, Non-coding RNA, snoRNA, RNA processing, Translation, Ribosome
Research Relevance
This research will improve basic knowledge about cell biology, and could lead to new tools in the detection and fight against cancer.
Funding
- Canada Research Chairs Program
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Additional Information
- Tier 1 Chair - 2012-11-01
- Renewed: 2019-11-01