Experimental Oncology Research Labs

Cross Cancer Institute

Advancing cancer research through innovative experimental approaches, collaborative science, and cutting-edge molecular biology techniques at the University of Alberta

Our Mission

The Division of Experimental Oncology conducts innovative, laboratory-based research that bridges fundamental biological discovery with clinical application to improve cancer patient outcomes. Located within the Cross Cancer Institute, our research embraces a "bench-to-bedside" integration that transforms scientific insights into tangible therapeutic advances.

Innovative Research

Cutting-edge experimental approaches to understand cancer biology and develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Collaborative Science

Multidisciplinary teams working together to tackle complex challenges in cancer research and treatment.

Translational Impact

Bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Research Faculty

Our distinguished faculty members lead groundbreaking research programs in experimental oncology

Ismail Ismail

Principal Investigator

DNA Damage Response

Investigates fundamental mechanisms of DNA damage repair with focus on B-cell malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma. Research bridges basic DNA damage response biology with translational oncology.

DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

Replication Stress Response

Multiple Myeloma Biology

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Michael Hendzel

Principal Investigator

Nuclear Biology

Internationally recognized leader in cell nucleus, chromatin structure, and genome stability research. Helped demonstrate that condensed chromatin exhibits solid-like behavior at the mesoscale in vitro and in living cells.

Genome Stability Mechanisms

Chromatin Dynamics

DNA Repair Pathways

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Roseline Godbout

Director, Division of Experimental Oncology

Developmental Oncology

Explores cancer through developmental biology lens, focusing on glioblastoma, metastatic cancers, and fatty acid binding proteins in cancer metabolism.

DDX1 RNA Helicase

Brain Cancer FABP7

Prostate Cancer Progression

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Michael Weinfeld

Principal Investigator

DNA Repair Therapeutics

Leader in DNA damage and repair field, specializing in Polynucleotide Kinase/Phosphatase (PNKP) enzyme research and therapeutic development for cancer treatment.

DNA Repair Enzymes

Cancer Therapeutics

Environmental Carcinogenesis

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Gordon Chan

Principal Investigator

Cell Cycle Control

Dedicated to understanding cell division process and targeting errors for cancer therapy. Focus on mitotic checkpoint and synthetic lethality approaches.

Kristi Baker

Faculty Member

Tumor Immunology

Investigates relationship between intestinal mucosal immune system and genomically unstable tumors for immunotherapy development.

Yangxin Fu

Faculty Member

Ovarian Cancer

Focuses on Notch signaling pathway in ovarian cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis for therapeutic target identification.

Armin Gamper

Faculty Member

DNA Damage Response

Investigates DNA damage response pathways and develops pharmacological strategies targeting DDR for personalized cancer medicine.

John Lewis

Faculty Member

Prostate Cancer

Leads translational research program focused on prostate cancer through bench-to-bedside approach targeting metastatic processes.

Prostate Cancer

Metastasis

Translational Research

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Alan Underhill

Faculty Member

Melanoma & Epigenetics

Studies melanoma development through developmental biology and epigenetic regulation, focusing on histone modifications in cancer.

Melanoma Biology

Epigenetics

Histone Modifications

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Frank Wuest

Faculty Member

Molecular Imaging

Develops advanced molecular imaging techniques using PET and MRI for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Molecular Imaging

PET Technology

Diagnostic Development

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Reza Mirzaei

Faculty Member

Brain Tumor Research

Investigates brain tumor biology with focus on tumor-initiating cells and immune system interactions.

Key Research Themes

Our research programs unite around fundamental themes that drive cancer understanding and treatment

DNA Damage Response & Genome Stability

Investigating the intricate mechanisms that maintain genomic integrity and how their failure contributes to cancer development. Our researchers explore DNA repair pathways, chromatin dynamics, and cellular responses to genotoxic stress.

DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

Chromatin Structure & Function

Replication Stress Response

Cell Cycle Control & Checkpoints

Understanding how cells regulate division and how checkpoint failures lead to cancer. Research focuses on mitotic processes, kinase regulation, and exploiting cell cycle vulnerabilities for therapeutic benefit.

Mitotic Checkpoint Control

Cell Cycle Kinase Regulation

Synthetic Lethality Approaches

Developmental & Metabolic Oncology

Exploring cancer as a disease of hijacked developmental programs and altered cellular metabolism. Research investigates how normal developmental pathways are corrupted in cancer.

Developmental Pathway Hijacking

Cancer Metabolism

Fatty Acid Binding Proteins

Research Facilities

State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment supporting innovative cancer research

Cell Imaging Facility

Advanced microscopy systems for cellular and molecular visualization including confocal and super-resolution imaging.

Molecular Biology Core

Comprehensive molecular biology equipment including PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and protein purification systems.

Flow Cytometry

Multi-parameter analysis capabilities for cell cycle studies, apoptosis detection, and protein expression analysis.

Radiation Sources

Controlled radiation exposure systems for studying DNA damage responses and radiation biology in cancer cells.

Bioinformatics Core

High-performance computing resources for genomic and proteomic data analysis and computational biology research.

Cell Culture Suites

Sterile cell culture facilities with incubators, biosafety cabinets, and specialized equipment for cell line maintenance.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the Division of Experimental Oncology

Location

Department of Oncology Graduate Program
Cross Cancer Institute
11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2

Email

oncology.gradprogram@ualberta.ca

Email the program