Dr. McKenna’s research focuses on a molecule called BC200 RNA, a very small nucleic acid molecule (RNA) that helps control how other key biomolecules (proteins) in the cell are produced. BC200 is normally active only in the brain, but in high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) it becomes abnormally produced at high levels. When BC200 is present, cancer cells grow faster and are better able to survive under stress. The team has already identified that BC200 acts as a scaffold for specific helper proteins that together help tumour cells make key products essential for cancer. They have also discovered a shorter version of BC200, called BC120, that behaves in the opposite way; it cannot act as a scaffold for helper proteins. The balance between BC200 and BC120 appears to influence how aggressive a tumour is, suggesting that the ratio of BC200 to BC120 could serve as a new way to help identify severity of HGSC.

With support from Ovarian Cancer Canada, the team will now bring this work into a truly patient-focused direction. Using ovarian-cancer cell lines and patient samples from the Manitoba Ovarian Cancer Biobank, they will measure BC200, BC120, and their helper proteins to see how these levels relate to patient outcomes such as chemotherapy response and survival. This project brings together Manitoba-based and national collaborators with the necessary expertise to connect detailed molecular research with real patient material to identify new diagnostic tools. Patient engagement through meetings with a Manitoba Epithelial Ovarian Cancer group comprised of patients, faculty, and trainees is a central aspect to help shape research objectives and ultimately share results.