Sylvain Meloche and his team study the signaling mechanisms that control cell division, differentiation, and survival in normal and cancerous cells. One goal of this research is to identify new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment based on these mechanisms.

Research theme

Tissue proliferation is a finely controlled process that results from a balance between cell division and cell death. In multicellular organisms, cells continuously monitor their environment for nutrients and signals (mitogens, trophic factors, stress) in order to decide whether to self-renew, proliferate, differentiate, or die. Misinterpretation of these signals can lead to the development of cancer.

Sylvain Meloche’s laboratory uses an interdisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, genomics, animal models, and biological chemistry to understand how signaling pathways control the fate of normal and cancerous cells. Defining the importance and interconnectivity of these signaling events will provide a better understanding of the malignant transformation process and help identify new targeted molecules for cancer treatment.

Research objectives

Sylvain Meloche’s team is particularly interested in the mode of action, regulation, and targeting of protein kinases in the MAP kinase family and tyrosine kinases in the SRC family, known as essential regulators of cell proliferation and tumor progression. His laboratory has developed numerous genetically modified mouse models to study the pathophysiological role of these enzymes and new pharmacological inhibitors.

Specifically, the laboratory has contributed to the validation of YES and SRC kinases as therapeutic targets in liver, pancreatic, lung, and certain sarcoma cancers. YES/SRC inhibitors are currently undergoing advanced preclinical evaluation in these cancers. Other work by Professor Meloche has revealed an important role for the MAP kinase ERK3 in the development and progression of breast cancer. The team has identified new ERK3 inhibitors that are currently being optimized.

Finally, Professor Meloche’s team has long been interested in the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation system and its role in cell signaling and proliferation. One of the objectives is to show that certain components of this regulatory system are response biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in cancer.