MoGen News | Spring 2025, Issue 25

A brief news digest for U of T’s Molecular Genetics community.

Faculty Highlight Feature

An Interview with Dr. Brenda Andrews on Women in Science

Dr. Brenda Andrews, a leader in genetics and molecular biology, shares her journey as a scientist, challenges women face in STEM, and hopes for the next generation.

As a Professor in Molecular Genetics and former Director of the Donnelly Centre, she reflects on her unique path into science, the importance of collaboration in research, and the changing landscape for women in academia.

Alumni Highlight

Capstones to Careers

Talia Silver (MedGen '20) leveraged her training at U of T’s Medical Genomics program and SickKids Capstone Practicum to launch a career in genomics. Now a Senior Genomic Support Scientist at Illumina, she’s working to advance genomic testing worldwide. Read more about her career journey.

Research Highlights

The Dirks Lab examines how glioblastoma development mirrors brain injury responses

Lead by post-doctorate researcher Akram Hamed, researchers have found that early glioblastoma growth mirrors the brain’s injury response, driven by neural crest-like cells. Their publication in Nature Communications suggests that targeting this process could help with earlier interventions and improve treatment strategies.

The Scherer Lab identifies a gene linked to increased autism susceptibility in males

Researchers working in the lab of Dr. Stephen Scherer at SickKids, identified DDX53 as a gene on the X chromosome newly linked to autism. The study helps explain why autism is more frequently diagnosed in boys. This research was also recently published in the Globe and Mail.

A review from the Cowen Lab examines fungi’s global health impact and untapped potential

A recent Nature review by Dr. Nicola Case and Dr. Leah Cowen of the CIFAR Fungal Kingdom research program explores the hidden threats and vast potential of fungi in human, animal, and ecosystem health. Highlighting antifungal resistance, the One Health approach, and fungi’s role in climate change mitigation, the authors emphasize the need for greater recognition of this often-overlooked kingdom.

A SickKids research team led by the Wrana Lab maps Toronto’s COVID-19 variant landscape

Researchers from Dr. Wrana's lab in SickKids analyzed 70,000 COVID-19 samples in Toronto using SPAR-Seq. Published in Nature Communications, the study tracked variant evolution, aiding future pandemic response.

The Dirks Lab characterizes a method to stop Medulloblastoma Before It Starts

First author Dr. Kinjal Desai & Dr. Peter Dirks have found that blocking the OLIG2 protein with CT-179 can prevent SHH medulloblastoma before it forms. This research offers a promising new approach to treating childhood brain cancer.

In Case You Missed It

Advancing Rare Disease Research: Dr. Gary Bader Receives Inaugural Open Science Funding

Congratulations to Dr. Bader for being one of the first funding recipients of the Developing Medicines through Open Science Program. Dr. Bader is collaborating with University Health Network researchers to advance new treatments for a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Collab Between Molecular Genetics and Computer Science at U of T Advances AI-Powered Drug Discovery

Professor Igor Stagljar (Molecular Genetics) and Alán Aspuru-Guzik (Computer Science) led a study using AI and quantum computing to design molecules targeting the KRAS cancer protein. Published in Nature Biotechnology, the research identified two promising drug candidates, marking a breakthrough in AI-driven drug discovery.

MoGen Perspectives

Mentorship That Matters
What makes a truly great PhD advisor? In this heartfelt reflection, PhD student Saya Sedighi explores the power of mentorship, the emotional reality of research life, and what students really need to thrive. Read more.

MoGen Voices Featured in Humans of RHSE

Faculty and trainees from the Department of Molecular Genetics are featured in Humans of RHSE, a video series by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. We compiled a list of our community members for your viewing.

Awards

Congratulations to Dr. David Chitayat on being appointed to the Order of Canada

Dr. David Chitayat, a clinical geneticist and MoGen professor, has been appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to medical genetics, including groundbreaking research on fetal abnormalities. As Medical Director of U of T’s MSc in Genetic Counselling Program, he continues shaping the field.

David Stephen Cant Graduate Scholarship

Katherine Rynard, PhD candidate has been named the 2024-2025 David Stephen Cant Graduate Scholarship in Stem Cell Research recipient. This scholarship is awarded annually to trainees demonstrating excellence in stem cell research.

Barbara Vivash Award in Molecular Genetics

Kaitlin Laverty has been awarded the Barbara Vivash Award in Molecular Genetics for the most outstanding PhD thesis of the 2023-2024 academic year. Her thesis was recognized for its exceptional scholarship and contributions to molecular genetics research.

Temerty Faculty of Medicine Graduate Faculty Teaching Award

MoGen faculty member Riyana Babul-Hirji, MSc, CGC, Associate Professor and Assistant Program Director of the Genetic Counselling program, is one of three recipients of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Graduate Faculty Teaching Award.

Announcements

GSA Updates 2025

The MoGen Graduate Student Association (GSA) has announced its new executive team. Co-Presidents Jocelyn Nurtanto and Saya Sedighi, along with Presidential Advisor Esra Erkut, will guide the GSA through an exciting year of programming and initiatives.This year also introduces a new Peer Mentorship Program, connecting incoming students with upper-year mentors to help ease the transition into grad school. Read the full update.

Farewell and Best Wishes to Purnoor Bala

The Department of Molecular Genetics extends our gratitude to Purnoor Bala, who is leaving her role as Graduate Program Coordinator for an exciting external opportunity. We wish her all the best in this next chapter!

You're invited!

MoGen Career Development Alumni Symposium – 10th Anniversary

Connect with experts, alumni, and industry leaders.

📅 Friday, June 6, 2025

📍 Schwartz-Reisman Innovation Campus, Toronto

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1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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