Investigating Gangliosides in Breast Cancer Subtypes by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women. Early detection through mammography and new breakthroughs in therapy have significantly improved the survival rate. Nonetheless, in Canada, approximately one in eight women diagnosed will not live past five years. The study of gangliosides is one avenue to improve prognosis. Found on the cellular membrane, gangliosides help communication between cells and have shown to be dysregulated in many diseases. Previous studies have found links between certain gangliosides and breast cancers. More recent studies have even shown important nuances in the expression of gangliosides depending on the breast cancer subtype. This project will employ imaging mass spectrometry to corroborate these findings and provide information on the distribution and quantity of these gangliosides in breast cancer by subtype.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pierre Chaurand

Student:

Partner:

National Taiwan University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: