Healthy cells can adapt to changes in their environment by detecting extracellular stimuli via cell surface receptors, which triggers the assembly of complexes and the activation of protein kinases. This process ultimately controls cellular functions that can become tumour-promoting (oncogenic), such as growth and survival. Genetic alterations of components of phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways (“phospho-signaling”) are known to drive the development of both ovarian and endometrial cancers.

As a new independent researcher, Dr. Dionne will build on his work in the laboratory of Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras to perform an in-depth analysis of specific genetic changes potentially linked with altered phospho-signaling in ovarian and endometrial cancers:

Aim 1.  Generate a comprehensive collection of more than 50 newly detected gene fusions and mutations in ovarian and endometrial cancer and determine their ability to rewire protein interaction networks and phospho-signaling.

Aim 2. Investigate the oncogenic potential of these mutations and identify the specific effectors that are essential for tumour promotion in ovarian and endometrial cell lines.

This work will improve our understanding of the role of altered phospho-signalling in ovarian and endometrial cancer and identify new potential targets and treatment strategies for these cancers.