D2R welcomes RNA and genomic researchers to Université de Sherbrooke
D2R welcomes RNA and genomic researchers to Université de Sherbrooke
Montreal – October 31, 2024 – McGill University’s DNA to RNA (D2R) research initiative is proud to announce the appointment of three new researchers at Université de Sherbrooke, marking the inaugural recipients of the D2R’s New Faculty Start-Up funding program. Université de Sherbrooke is a partner institution in the D2R initiative, working collaboratively to advance genomic and RNA research.
The New Faculty Start-Up program provides competitive start-up packages designed to complement those offered by faculties, aiming to attract to tenure-track positions outstanding researchers whose work aligns with D2R’s mission. By investing in new faculty, D2R seeks to create a legacy of groundbreaking genomic-based RNA therapeutic research and advance scientific discovery.
Jean Pierre Perreault, Vice-Rector, Research and Graduate Studies at Université de Sherbrooke commented "We are thrilled to welcome these talented researchers to our faculty of medicine and health sciences. Their research is set to make significant contributions to microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology."
“The appointment of these talented researchers is an exciting development for the D2R initiative. Their diverse expertise will not only contribute to cutting-edge research but also enrich the collaborative ecosystem we aim to build within D2R” added Philippe Gros, Chief Scientific Officer, D2R Initiative.
The New Faculty Start-Up program is part of a suite of D2R funding programs that support interdisciplinary research in line with D2R’s vision of delivering revolutionary genomic-based RNA therapies for all. D2R is supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, as well as additional support from the Quebec Government and other philanthropic and industry partners.
Meet Université de Sherbrooke’s Newest Faculty Members
Dr. Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières has joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Immunology and Cell Biology as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Quesnel-Vallières’ research focuses on immunotherapy, utilizing DNA and RNA sequencing alongside computational and experimental analyses to identify molecular differences between cancer and normal cells and harness these differences to enhance immune cells to recognize and kill cancer.
“Building on the framework laid out by genome research discoveries, we believe that we can develop and deliver the next generation of precision cancer medicine by integrating genomic and transcriptomic approaches, thereby offering a new hope to patients affected by high-risk cancers.” - Dr. Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
Dr. Karine Choquet has joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Biochemistry and Functional Genomics as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Choquet’s research explores the splicing of premature messenger RNAs (pre-mRNA) and its connection to genetic mutations and splicing-based therapies for rare muscle diseases.
“Splicing modulation is a promising therapeutic approach for many diseases, but its efficacy is usually studied in a very targeted way, like reading only one chapter of a book. Studying splicing on the scale of whole RNAs, i.e. the whole book, will enable us to discover new aspects of splicing control that will help us to better understand and treat rare genetic diseases.” - Dr. Karine Choquet
Dr. Taha Azad has joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Azad’s research aims to transform cancer treatment through self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) therapeutics, offering new hope for cancer patients.
“My research vision aligns with D2R’s mission to harness the potential of RNA-based therapeutics to revolutionize treatment strategies. By exploring the intersection of RNA biology and innovative therapeutic development, I aim to contribute to the next generation of precision medicine, targeting complex diseases with novel, RNA-centered solutions. This work will not only expand our understanding of RNA mechanisms but also pave the way for more effective and personalized healthcare approaches.” - Dr. Taha Azad
For more information about these new faculty members and their research, please visit D2R’s Funded Projects page.
