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The Genome Instability and Aging Group (GIAG)

Genomic Instability and Aging is one of the key strategic programs within the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute (SACRI). An unstable genome is a hallmark of nearly all cancer cells and plays a key role in cellular aging. Consequently, highly conserved pathways have evolved to detect the presence of genome damage and to affect its repair. Understanding the cellular pathways that maintain genomic integrity during normal cellular development and aging and gaining a clear understanding of the cause and consequence of the dysfunction of these pathways may eventually lead to better treatments and outcomes for cancer patients.

This strategic program integrates research from clinicians, clinician-scientists and basic scientists to promote a collaborative environment to enable us to understand the cellular pathways that maintain genomic integrity. Our program encompasses research into mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, genomic instability, cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, epigenetics and radiation sensitivity and resistance. With support from the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we have recently established a program to identify markers of treatment response in cervical, head and neck and anal/rectal cancers. This program is a collaboration between basic science members of the GIAG and clinicians in the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. As one of the strategic programs within SACRI, we intend to build upon existing strengths within the Faculty of Medicine and establish a world-class program in genomic instability and aging with excellence in research and in the training of future scientists to work at the boundaries of basic science and clinical care.

We are a dynamic team with regular group meetings many of which focus on trainee presentations to encourage the development of future leading scientists. The GIAG also hosts an annual meeting that brings together scientists and trainees from around the province (the Universities of Alberta and Lethbridge and the Cross Cancer Institute) working on genomic instability and cellular aging. Our group is physically integrated to allow for optimal daily interactions and collaborations that will promote excellence in research and training in order to establish a world-class program in genome stability and cellular aging.

WHAT’S NEW?
The 2011 Genomic Instability, Cancer and Aging Conference will take place from May 16-18 at the University of Calgary.