Brian Ciruna


Canada Research Chair in Spine Development and Scoliosis

Tier 1 - 2017-11-01
Renewed: 2012-04-01, 2025-07-01
University of Toronto
Canadian Institutes of Health Research

416-813-7654, ext./poste. 302050
ciruna@sickkids.ca

Research involves

Studying zebrafish embryos to understand cell changes called polarity, which are related to the progression of cancers in humans.

Research relevance

Developing new ways to prevent the spread of cancer, since many treatments cannot entirely knock out cancerous cells, and so must be contained.

Research Summary

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal disorder affecting about 3% of children, often without any clear defects in bone or muscle. (Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.) Severe cases can lead to pain, disability and the need for bracing or surgery. As Canada Research Chair in Spine Development and Scoliosis, Dr. Brian Ciruna is trying to uncover the biological origins of AIS.

He and his research team have already discovered that oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord can damage spinal discs and trigger curvature. Now, they are trying to identify the genetic regulators of spine development, pinpoint the molecular mechanisms behind disc deformities, and use these discoveries to inform their search for the genetic causes of AIS. Their work could transform how scoliosis and related spinal deformities are prevented, detected and treated.