Matthew Annis Ph.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT
Signaling Mechanisms Driving a Basal Phenotype and Team GPNMB .
BACKGROUND
Human breast cancers can be divided into sub-types, broadly luminal and basal, depending on the genes they express. Patients with basal breast cancer have a poor prognosis, as there is limited therapeutics available for treatment. We are characterizing the mechanisms that drive the basal phenotype by identifying the signaling pathways active in these cells. In addition we identified GPNMB, through an in vivo screen for genes that promote metastases to bone. GPNMB gene encodes a type I transmembrane glycoprotein whose expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in basal breast cancer. Through genetic and biochemical approaches we are determining the mechanisms by which GPNMB promotes tumor growth and metastases. Matthew began his scientific career with at McGill University in the department of Biochemistry. He obtained his doctorate in Biochemistry at McMaster University, where he studied Apoptosis – investigating the molecular mechanisms of Bcl-2 and Bax. After a brief stay with the National Research Council, Matthew joined the Siegel lab in the spring of 2006 as a CIHR post-doctoral fellow. He has continued on in the lab as a Research Associate.
CONTACT INFO
Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre - McGill University
1160 Pine Ave. West (Room 508)
Montreal, Quebec (Canada)
H3A 1A3
T. 514.398.8889
F. 514.398.6769