Ania Wronski, PhD

Over the past several years, genome sequencing has led to unparalleled, multifaceted analysis of the genetic and molecular landscape of human cancer, in particular breast cancer. Ideally, this information could enable medical professionals to make better decisions regarding treatment regimes. Perhaps the most exciting potential of this new personalised medicine era is the ability to tailor drugs towards the characteristics of an individual’s tumour. However, in order to develop such therapeutics, we need to not only identify mutated genes but to also assemble and understand the regulatory pathways that are required for tumourigenesis. The aim of my project is to identify the potential pathways which are required for cancer initiation using the innovative Human-In-Mouse model pioneered by the Kuperwasser Laboratory. Using this model, we can study human breast cancer within the architecture of a mouse and provide more clinically relevant data. Identification of the genetic alterations that transform cells into a malignant state will provide novel potential therapeutic targets for treating tumours prophylactically.