Research summary
Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins are the central gatekeepers of genome stability. This family of proteins is the first—and most effective—line of defense to protect our cells from infections, such as from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). But HBV has evolved a strategy to short-circuit our body’s natural protection mechanism, and the result can be liver dysfunction, cirrhosis and cancer.
Dr. Damien D’Amours, Canada Research Chair in Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Architecture, is uncovering how SMC proteins effectively recognize and remodel normal, damaged and viral DNA structures as cells divide and grow. He and his research team are also determining how cells regulate the behaviours of SMC proteins after they suffer DNA damage or experience virus infections. By uncovering the cellular mechanisms critical for cancer development, D’Amours aims to identify genetic vulnerabilities that could be used to treat a range of cancers and viral infections.