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Open Research Projects in the Mekhail lab

at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Send a cover letter and CV to karim.mekhail@utoronto.ca

Start date: Flexible

Human nucleolar RNA polymerase II regulatory networks

Decipher the mechanisms controlling nucleolar RNA polymerase II and its ncRNAs and their roles in ribosome production, protein synthesis, cellular stress responses, and cancer progression. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of molecular and cell biology, transcription, cell growth, and bioinformatics. We will also provide training in these and other areas to ensure success. Read more on the background of this project in our Abraham, A., Khosraviani, N. et al. Nature (2020) paper and upcoming Khosraviani, N. et al. Nat. Commun. (2024) paper.

Human nuclear metamorphosis and the nuclear-cytoplasmic DNA damage response

Characterize the regulators and signaling cues controlling our recently discovered process of DNA repair by nuclear metamorphosis (nucleomorphosis) within a novel nuclear-cytoplasmic DNA damage response (ncDDR). Critical to nucleomorphosis are processes regulating the formation of transient DNA double-strand break-capturing nuclear envelope tubules (dsbNETs), their role in DNA repair, and their impact on human health. This project is revealing an exciting new area of biology that we are also exploiting to develop novel therapeutics for treating several cancers and age-related diseases. The ideal candidates would be knowledgeable in cell and molecular biology, advanced imaging and related analyses, bioinformatics, and the development or use of AI tools. We will also provide training in these areas to ensure success. Read more on the background of this project in our recent Shokrollahi, Stanic, Hundal, et al. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. (2024) paper.

Other projects related to developing novel and proprietary anti-cancer therapeutics as part of our commercialization efforts are also available.

All Mekhail lab members have access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and expertise in cell and animal studies, advanced imaging, sequencing, and machine learning.