Hello! My name is Vasudeva Bhat, PhD candidate in the Department of Immunology, under the guidance of Dr. Afshin Raouf at Regenerative Medicine Program/Cancercare Manitoba
Our lab is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the regenerative potential of normal mammary stem cells and how alterations in them produce tumors. In short we want to understand NORMAL to define ABNORMAL. Our studies have identified a key molecule which plays an important role in regulating cells fate during breast tissue regeneration and we believe that altered function of this molecule could potentially lead to breast cancer.
In order to further explore my interest in breast cancer I was given the opportunity to visit Dr. Alison Allan’s lab at London Regional Cancer Program in Ontario to better understand breast cancer using novel laboratory models.
Under Dr. Allan’s supervision I was able to learn techniques to decipher the ability of breast cancer cells to acquire stem-like characteristics. In addition, I also gained expertise in 2D and 3D ex vivo models to elucidate the potential of these cancer cells in promoting tumor development and spread.
I believe that the experience gained here will help in better understanding of breast cancer as a disease and design therapeutic strategies to treat patients.
Thank you Breast Cancer Society of Canada for your generous support of this trainee exchange program.
Vasudeva Bhat, PhD Candidate
Dr. Raouf Lab, University of Manitoba
Dr. Alison Allan (exchange program supervisor)
London Regional Cancer Program