Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute

New therapeutic strategies show promise against a hard-to-treat prostate cancer A new study has uncovered promising therapeutic strategies against one of the deadliest forms of prostate cancer. McGill University researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) identified a mechanism driving neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a rare and highly aggressive subtype for which there currently are no effective treatment options. Findings published in Genes & Development show that prostate tumours in mice became more aggressive when the protein ERRγ was lost, while restoring its production in human cancer cells reversed this effect. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada. Tumours that stop responding to hormone therapy evolve into neuroendocrine prostate cancer in about 15 per cent of patients, according to past research. After this shift, life expectancy typically falls below 18 months. “Therapy resistance remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment, and prostate cancer is no exception,” said lead author Vincent Giguère, Professor in McGill’s Department of Biochemistry and GCI researcher. “Our findings highlight ERRγ as a promising new therapeutic target.” Existing drugs show promise when ERRγ is lost The researchers used advanced genetic and metabolic analysis to understand how losing ERRγ drives tumour growth. Their investigation revealed that two genes linked to cancer become overactive when ERRγ is missing. As drugs that block these genes already exist for other cancers, the team tested two of them in mouse and human prostate cancer cells. When combined, the two drugs slowed the cancerous growth far more effectively than either drug alone. “These findings have major clinical implications,” said Giguère. “By targeting the genes that take over when ERRγ activity is low or lost, we open the door to new treatment strategies for patients who currently have few options.” Understanding why ERRγ function becomes impaired in the first place is still being investigated, he added. Protein acts as brake on tumour progression ERRγ, previously known for its role in energy metabolism, appears to act as a brake that prevents prostate cancer from advancing. Preclinical findings led by first author Ting Li, a post-doctoral fellow in Giguère’s lab, have revealed that neuroendocrine prostate cancers have much lower levels of ERRγ than other types of prostate tumours. Removing the protein in mice sped up tumour progression, while reactivating the protein in human prostate cancer cells reversed the process, confirming its protective effect. About the study “ERRγ impedes neuroendocrine prostate cancer development” by Ting Li and Vincent Giguère et al., was published in Genes & Development. The study was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Jin-Jian Lu of the University of Macau and supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Cancer Research Society, Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé and Défi Canderel.

A new study has uncovered promising therapeutic strategies against one of the deadliest forms of prostate cancer. 🧪

🔗 mcgill.ca/x/iC2

@mcgillgci.bsky.social | @healthsciences.mcgill.ca | @mcgill.ca

(EN) What if genetic drivers of cancer could influence the composition and spatial organization of the #tumourmicroenvironment? This is the question explored by GCI researcher Logan Walsh together with Dr. Philippe Joubert in their latest @natcomms.nature.com publication shorturl.at/FqhH0

(FR) Et si les facteurs génétiques pouvaient influencer la composition et l’organisation spatiale du #microenvironnement tumoral ? C'est la question à laquelle le Professeur Logan Walsh et le Dr. Philippe Joubert répondent dans leur nouvel article publié dans @natcomms.nature.com shorturl.at/aM9qZ

Graphic with the name of the article "Uncovering hidden cancer driver mutations through pan-Canadian data sharing" with a photo of Dr. Ian Watson.

🧬 🌐 Uncovering cancer’s hidden driver mutations through the power of the Gold Cohort 🧬 🌐

A research team led by Dr. Ian Watson will harness the power of MOHCCN's Gold Cohort to identify new mutations that may be responsible for driving cancer.

tinyurl.com/5n7c6ub8

(EN) A new study by @errabg.bsky.social's team published in @genesdev.bsky.social identifies ERRγ, a new promising target in the most aggressive #prostatecancer subtype. Full article: www.goodmancancer.ca/en/news-deta...

(FR) Une nouvelle étude par l'équipe de @errabg.bsky.social publiée dans @genesdev.bsky.social identifie ERRγ, une nouvelle cible thérapeutique prometteuse pour le sous-type le plus agressif de #cancerdelaprostate. Article complet: www.goodmancancer.ca/fr/nouvelles...

(EN) Promita Ghosh and Isabella Pecora examine the MET exon 14 oncogene and its role in #cancer progression in a new #review published in @biochemsoc.bsky.social: doi.org/10.1042/BST2...

(FR) Promita Ghosh et Isabella Pecora se penchent sur l'exon 14 de l'oncogène MET et son rôle dans la progression du #cancer dans une récente revue de littérature publiée dans @biochemsoc.bsky.social. Article complet: doi.org/10.1042/BST2...

Creatine fuels cancer. In @asbmbjournals.bsky.social we show CKB drives CK activity in NSCLC, osteosarcoma & ovarian cancer, promoting metastasis & anoikis resistance. Led by postdoc Mouna Tlili, in collaboration with Peter Siegel + @mcgillgci.bsky.social. Preproof: www.jbc.org/article/S002...

(EN) A new study from the GCI led by researcher Peter Siegel, in collaboration with the QBCF-TMAC biobank (@rrcancer.bsky.social) explores the role of the protein CIRBP in over 1600 #breastcancer patient samples.
Full article: www.goodmancancer.ca/en/news-deta...

(FR) Une nouvelle étude de l'ICG, menée par le chercheur Peter Siegel en collaboration avec la biobanque QBCF-TMAC (@rrcancer.bsky.social) a investigué le rôle de la protéine CIRBP dans plus de 1600 échantillons de #cancerdusein. Article complet: www.goodmancancer.ca/fr/nouvelles...

In Person Event | Breast Cancer & RNA Therapeutics: Exploring Join D2R and the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) for an event in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Women's History Month, in collaboration with Fondation du cancer du sein...

🌸 In Honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month join D2R , mcgillgci.bsky.social , the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, and Audace au Féminin for an inspiring evening!

📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025
🕔 5:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Atrium, Bellini Centre

Register: buff.ly/C64fHgE
#BreastCancerAwareness #RNA

The Multifaceted Role of Osteopontin in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment Abstract. Osteopontin, a key structural protein in the extracellular matrix, plays a pivotal role in regulating the local tumor microenvironment and systemic immunity during cancer progression. Recognizing that tumor cells do not exist in isolation but rather interact with a multitude of stromal components that significantly influence patient outcomes and therapy responses, this review focuses on the role of osteopontin in non-tumor cells in the context of solid cancers and the associated phenotypic and mechanistic insights. We explore how osteopontin influences the behavior of various innate and adaptive immune cells, including natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, B cells, T cells, as well as structural stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes. The review highlights the roles of osteopontin in modulating these stromal cells and their multiaxial influence on tumorigenesis and metastasis. These complex interplays offer insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies around osteopontin/stromal-mediated pathways in cancer progression and recurrence.

(EN) A recent #review from GCI trainee Yu Gu published in Cancer Research (@aacrjournals.bsky.social) brings valuable insights to ongoing conversations in #cancer research. She explores the role of osteopontin in the tumour #microenvironment. Read the full review: doi.org/10.1158/0008...

The Multifaceted Role of Osteopontin in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment Abstract. Osteopontin, a key structural protein in the extracellular matrix, plays a pivotal role in regulating the local tumor microenvironment and systemic immunity during cancer progression. Recognizing that tumor cells do not exist in isolation but rather interact with a multitude of stromal components that significantly influence patient outcomes and therapy responses, this review focuses on the role of osteopontin in non-tumor cells in the context of solid cancers and the associated phenotypic and mechanistic insights. We explore how osteopontin influences the behavior of various innate and adaptive immune cells, including natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, B cells, T cells, as well as structural stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes. The review highlights the roles of osteopontin in modulating these stromal cells and their multiaxial influence on tumorigenesis and metastasis. These complex interplays offer insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies around osteopontin/stromal-mediated pathways in cancer progression and recurrence.

(FR) Une récente revue de littérature par Yu Gu, étudiante à l'ICG, publiée dans Cancer Research (@aacrjournals.bsky.social) développe sur le rôle de l'ostéopontine dans le #microenvironnement tumoral. Article complet: doi.org/10.1158/0008...

Why does MET exon 14 skipping matter? It is more than a mere oncogenic mutation!😱🫁

Hot off the @biochemsoc.bsky.social press where we discuss met exon 14 and beyond
@mcgillgci.bsky.social

portlandpress.com/biochemsoctr...

(EN) For its 20th anniversary, @cp-cellmetabolism.bsky.social is spotlighting researchers who defined the field of metabolic science. Featured is @kazaklab.bsky.social, GCI Researcher, recognized for postdoctoral work on creatine metabolism. Article: tinyurl.com/mfdbakyz

(FR) Pour son 20e anniversaire, le journal @cp-cellmetabolism.bsky.social célèbre des auteurs qui ont contribué à la recherche métabolique. @kazaklab.bsky.social, chercheur à l’ICG, est célébré pour son travail postdoctoral sur du métabolisme de la créatine. Article: tinyurl.com/4t6ukex2

(EN) A new study co-led by Morag Park, GCI Investigator, and Christopher Moraes, GCI Associate Member, in collaboration with Jiannis Ragoussis, reveals insights into the role of cancer-associated #fibroblasts in the spread of triple-negative #breastcancer. Full article: tinyurl.com/yz4ey5u5

(FR) Une étude codirigée par Morag Park, chercheuse à l'ICG, et Christopher Moraes, membre associé de l’ICG, en collab avec Jiannis Ragoussis, présente des résultats sur le rôle #fibroblastes associés au cancer dans la propagation du #cancerdusein triple-négatif. Article: tinyurl.com/mr279dn6

Signaux longue distance et métastases de cancer du sein : une histoire de neutrophiles | Institut du cancer Goodman Une nouvelle étude menée par Hannah Garner, Ph.D., nouvellement chercheuse à l’Institut du cancer Rosalind et Morris Goodman (ICG), publiée dans le journal Cancer Cell, a montré que les cellules...

Une étude mené par @hannahgarner.bsky.social (ICG), montre que les précurseures des #neutrophiles reçoivent des signaux des tumeurs mammaires et aident les #métastases. Collaboration avec @nkinl.bsky.social, Moreno Martinovic, Karin de Visser et @dewitlab.bsky.social. Détails: tinyurl.com/4b5n5psu

Long distance signalling and breast cancer metastatic spread: a neutrophil story | Goodman cancer Institute A recent study from Hannah Garner, Ph.D. and new member of the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), published in Cancer Cell, showed that neutrophil precursors located in the bone marrow receive signals from mammary tumours and promote metastasis.

A new study co-led by GCI member @hannahgarner.bsky.social showed how #neutrophil precursors receive signals from mammary tumours and promote #metastasis. Incredible collaboration with @nkinl.bsky.social, Monreno Martinovic, Karin de Visser and @dewitlab.bsky.social. Details: tinyurl.com/4c2snae6...

Thrilled to announce that we are now accepting abstracts for #CCRC2025, November 2-4, 2025, in Calgary!

This is an excellent opportunity to share and discover cutting-edge research and findings across the research spectrum.

✍️Submit your abstract: ccra-acrc.ca/conference

ADN et cancer : un aperçu de la recherche en génomique | Institut du cancer Goodman Le 25 avril marque la Journée de l’ADN, une occasion de souligner les publications marquantes sur la structure de l’ADN et une célébration des accomplissements de la recherche en génétique. Les progrès de la recherche sur l’ADN et la génomique ont révolutionné notre compréhension du cancer, menant à des améliorations significatives pour la détection, le suivi et le traitement du cancer. À l’Institut du cancer Rosalind et Morris Goodman (ICG), nos chercheurs et chercheuses sont à la pointe de la biologie du génome du cancer.

Aujourd'hui est le Jour de l'#ADN! Nous célébrons les avancées de la recherche en génétique de travail de trois membres l'ICG, Sidong Huang, Ph.D., Josée Dostie, Ph.D. et Xiang-Jiao Yang, Ph.D., qui mènent des recherches en biologie du génome du cancer: tinyurl.com/mr3jevdb

Collaboration is key to driving cancer research. @kazaklab.bsky.social, Ph.D., @kazaklab co-organizer of the inaugural #AdiposeBiology Conference in Montreal, on August 19-20, 2025. Early bird pricing is available until May 1st, 2025! Learn more: www.adiposebiology....

La collaboration est essentielle pour la recherche sur le cancer et pour trouver le #savoirpourguérir. @kazaklab.bsky.social, Ph.D., est co-organisateur de la Conférence sur la biologie des tissus adipeux à Montréal, qui aura lieu les 19 et 20 août prochains. Plus de détails: www.adiposebiology.com

Congratulations to @kazaklab.bsky.social and their collaborators for this new publication in @naturecomms.bsky.social!

The GCI is incredibly proud to be a part of this Pan-Canadian collaborative effort to improve outcomes for all Canadians living with cancer. Read the @marathonofhope.bsky.social first landmark paper in @cp-cancercell.bsky.social : www.cell.com/cancer-cell/...

La première édition de la Gazette ICG, une initiative étudiante de l'ICG, a été lancée le 7 février dernier! Cette publication présente des perspectives scientifiques, des projets en cours à l'ICG, des entretiens avec des étudiant.e.s et plus encore! Obtenez une copie: https://tinyurl.com/338f7ueb

The first edition of the @mcgillgci.bsky.social GCI Gazette was launched on February 7th! This student-led publication features scientific perspectives, interviews with trainees, and more! Get your copy: https://tinyurl.com/234j327f @mcgilluniversity.bsky.social

The @mcgillgci.bsky.social welcomed 15 students from across Canada for the Annual Graduate Recruitment Event. During their time here, they had a chance to meet faculty and trainees and have discussions on cancer research. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2n99tt8f @mcgill.ca