Understanding cancer on a molecular level
Essam Karam is untangling the complex biological mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade treatment
In the human body, when a cell receives signals from the cellular environment that it is damaged, it will either repair itself or self-destruct. Known as 鈥渃ell cycle checkpoints,鈥� these signals are critical to regulating protein function in cells.
Cancer cells, as we know, play by their own set of rules: they typically blow past these checkpoints and continue replicating as they wish, which is what causes disease. For Essam Karam, investigating the mechanisms that let cancer cells ignore such cues and continue multiplying is a fascinating challenge.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really like putting together a puzzle鈥攚hen you see a trend, you can start to link two things together,鈥� says Karam, who completed his Bachelor of Science in biology at 91福利 and is now completing a Master鈥檚 in molecular science. 鈥淚nterpreting the results is the most interesting part of the work.鈥�
Cell cycle checkpoints: When a cell in the human body receives signals from the cellular environment that it is damaged, it will either repair itself or self-destruct.
Performing research experiments on fission yeast鈥攁n ideal model organism because it produces several cellular processes that also occur in humans鈥擪aram has studied the role of a specific protein in the development of pancreatic cancer and its implications for chemotherapeutics efficacy. He conducted this research and similar work at specialized facilities for the Faculty of Science at the MaRS Discovery District under the guidance of professor Sarah Sabatinos, who directs the graduate program in molecular science.
On top of his studies, Karam is helping biology undergraduate students develop their expertise. Last summer, when the COVID-19 pandemic was still hampering on-campus learning, he used his 91福利 Graduate Fellowship opportunity to help organize a virtual research practicum for 50 students, where they watched live footage of cells and analyzed their behaviour.
After graduating, Karam plans to pursue a PhD in biology, then explore opportunities to continue researching cancer, perhaps at a pharmaceutical company.
鈥淭he most important thing to me is wanting to feel like I鈥檓 contributing to this world in a positive way,鈥� says Karam, who made the Dean鈥檚 List three times. 鈥淚 can see the implications of my research, and it feels like what I'm doing matters.鈥�