Sarah Hughes

Area of Study / Keywords

Drosophila genetic model confocal microscopy proliferation cell adhesion Drosophila genetic model confocal microscopy proliferation cell adhesion

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About

Academic Degrees and Training

B.Sc.: University of Lethbridge M.Sc.: University of Calgary PhD: University of Toronto Post-doctoral training: Duke University

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Research

Current Research Interests

Research Areas Epithelial cell polarity and adhesion, neural stem cells, Regulation of proliferation and differentiation, tumour suppressor proteins, cancer, post-transcriptional regulation, Neurofibromatosis Type 2, Schwannomatosis, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours, autism spectrum disorder Current Research Interests We are interested in the regulation of polarity, proliferation and differentiation and how dysregulation of these processes can lead to cancer and developmental disorders. Research Interests We study the molecular mechanisms that link polarity, proliferation and differentiation in epithelial cells and neural stem cells. We are also interested in how dysregulation of these processed can lead to tumorigenesis. Specifically, we use Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly) as a genetic model to study Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and Schwannomatosis, which are inherited cancers of the brain and nervous system. The molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases are not understood. To address this question, we are using multiple approaches including molecular biology, advanced microscopy, proteomics and genetic analyses using animal (Drosophila) and cell culture models to investigate the mechanisms of regulation underlying these disorders via identification and characterization of interacting proteins and cell signaling pathways.

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Teaching

CELL302

MDGEN601

CELL 403 - Principles of Medical Genetics

The rapid expansion of our understanding of the human genome has created new, exciting possibilities to understanding the root causes of human disease and improve health. However, this also leads to real and potential problems - both ethical and practical. This senior level undergraduate course will consist of four modules each covering different aspects of the scientific theory underlying the practice of Medical Genetics. Topics will include core concepts in human genomics, developmental genetics, genetic variation, Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits, Mendelian disease as examples of key genomic concepts, methodologies that allow for screening of genetic disease and the theory supporting the practice of genetic counselling. This course will be based on didactic understanding of the topics and draw upon examples from the expertise of the instructors. Prerequisites CELL 201 or BIOL 201, 300 level course in CELL or GENET or consent of the Department. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in MDGEN 403. In addition, not available to students currently enrolled in MDGEN 403.

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MDGEN 403 - Principles of Medical Genetics

The rapid expansion of our understanding of the human genome has created new, exciting possibilities to understanding the root causes of human disease and improve health. However, this also leads to real and potential problems - both ethical and practical. This senior level undergraduate course will consist of four modules each covering different aspects of the scientific theory underlying the practice of Medical Genetics. Topics will include core concepts in human genomics, developmental genetics, genetic variation, Mendelian and non- Mendelian traits, Mendelian disease as examples of key genomic concepts, methodologies that allow for screening of genetic disease and the theory supporting the practice of genetic counselling. This course will be based on didactic understanding of the topics and draw upon examples from the expertise of the instructors. Prerequisites CELL 201 or BIOL 201, 300 level course in CELL or GENET or consent of the Department. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in CELL 403. In addition, not available to students currently enrolled in CELL 403.

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Browse more courses taught by Sarah Hughes

Sophie E Keegan, Julie Haskins, Andrew J. Simmonds and Sarah C. Hughes

Development. 2023 July; 150 10.1242/dev.201484

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Ueda K., Anderson-Baron M.N., Haskins J., Hughes S.C., Simmonds A.J.

Journal of Cell Science. 2022 April; 135 (7) 10.1242/jcs.259092

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62nd Drosophila Research Conference (GSA) Virtual Meeting . 2021 March;

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Keegan S.E., Hughes S.C.

GENOME. 2021 February; 64 (2):75-85 10.1139/gen-2020-0039

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View additional publications