Darren Saunders

When I'm not in the lab I like skiing, bodysurfing, mountain biking, golf... anything that gets me outside. I also love music and going to concerts but as a guitarist I make a good scientist.

 dsaunders@bccrc.ca

Department:	Molecular Oncology and Breast Cancer Program (@ the BCCRC since 2007)
Research Role:	Research Associate
Education:	PhD, University of Wollongong, Australia, 2000 BSc, University of Wollongong, Australia, 1995
Birthplace:	Sydney, Australia
Phone:	604-675-8000 ext.7558
Fax:	675 8218

Research Interests:

Functional characterisation of E3 Ubiquitin ligase EDD1 (UBR5), a novel cancer gene

Epithelial stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Mechanisms of proteolytic regulation by tumour cells

My primary project involves the study of the epithelial cells that make up the breast and other tissues of the body. I am using whole-genome screens to identify genes that are involved in the proliferation of epithelial stem cells, and in their differentiation into other cell types. I am also investigating how proteins interact during these processes, focusing initially on several proteins that are known to play a role in breast cancer.

I am also working on the characterization of a novel cancer gene called E3 ubiquitin ligase EDD1 (UBR5). I aim to determine the role of this gene in the detection of damaged DNA, especially in response to chemotherapy drugs. I am also investigating how UBR5 helps cells to adhere to one another.

Finally, in collaboration with Professor Marie Ranson at the University of Wollongong, Australia, I am investigating how metastatic breast cancer cells break down proteins in order to invade other tissues around the body.

See Also:

• Sam Aparicio
• Angela Burleigh (nee Beckett)

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