Recipients

Azharul Islam

Anatomy and Cell Biology
Medicine
University of Saskatchewan

Supervisor(s):

Troy Harkness

Chromosomes, which harbor the genetic material making each individual unique, are a complex structure of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The first critical step in chromosome building is the formation of chromatin, which occurs when histones (water-soluble proteins rich in basic amino acids) are deposited onto DNA. Once this process occurs, the histone tails are acetylated. Past research has shown that defects in histone acetylation are linked to cancer. By using yeast, which allows rapid discovery and characterization of genetic and physical interactions that are not possible with other model system, Islam and Harkness will help us better understand how histone acetylation is regulated. A better understanding of these processes will help us combat cancer progression.

This research aligns well with Saskatchewan’s Health Research Strategy. It focuses specifically on cancer research, which addresses determinants of health status and underlying causes of disease, a priority area within the Strategy.

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