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Brewing up cancer therapies with yeast

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(Photo by Rebecca St. Pierre)

Yeast typically conjures images of kitchens or breweries, not a research laboratory, but Dr. Christopher Brandl's studies explore exciting new avenues for this microscopic fungus.

Brandl, BSc'81, returned to Western's Department of Biochemistry in 1990 to continue studies in yeast gene expression initiated during his postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. He has excellent company in his field of study; a number of Nobel Prizes have been awarded to yeast researchers.

Surprisingly, there is much to be found in common between Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast) and humans. It was Brandl who identified yeast's sixth largest protein, Tra1. It is closely linked to a human counterpart, TRRAP, involved in tumour formation. Understanding the role or function of yeast complexes such as SAGA and its component Tra1, and how to stop or inhibit their activity, can provide valuable insight into how to prevent cancer growth in the human cell. 

"Our goal is to figure out what it (Tra1) does, get inhibitors to that function and then hopefully use them in cancer therapies. That's the big picture goal," states Brandl. "While our main focus has been gene regulation, and complexes that regulate genes, these molecules are so connected to everything else that is going on in the cell that I'm constantly looking at other pathways and other processes. Biology is extremely complex. You can't change one thing in the cell without having something else be compensated."

Although born in Saskatchewan, Brandl grew up in Orillia, Ontario. His eastern migration continued after his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, with a PhD from the University of Toronto, and in 1986 a move to Boston, Massachusetts with his wife, Julie (BA’80, BEd’81, MLS’82). Yeast research under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Struhl won out over his other choice of genetic systems; the fruit fly Drosophila. He recalls, "Yeast was a great choice in retrospect because of the power of being able to do the genetics and molecular genetics and biochemistry. It's ideal."

Four years after his recruitment to the biochemistry department, he hired technician Julie Genereaux. With her help, students from as far as Romania and China have graduated from his lab well-versed in the intricacies of yeast genetics. He remains in contact with his first graduate student, Dr. Joseph Martens, now a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh, and collaborates with researchers in the United States and Canada.

With departmental chair Dr. Ted Lo's encouragement and Western Alumni Association funding, Brandl, Dr. Greg Gloor and Judy Penchuk founded Outreach Science Ontario in 1997. Aimed specifically at Grade 11 and 12 students, its goal is: "…to promote science and technology to the next generation of scientists by having them do hands-on experiments." Without leaving their classroom, students have access to free, fully equipped biotechnology modules. The DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits provide students an opportunity to conduct experiments relevant to agriculture, forensics and medicine.

Outreach Science Ontario's popularity has increased over the years, in part due to funding received from 2000 to 2009 through the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council's PromoScience program. In 2010, approximately 600 students benefited from these novel hands-on labs. Most rewarding for Brandl are the students initially not interested in science who within five days, "…are often technically the strongest… they really excel." Despite funding cuts he remains optimistic, with plans to expand the program throughout the province.

In recognition of his significant contributions to teaching, research and community service, Brandl was presented an Award of Excellence in 2010 by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. At the time of receiving the award, he had lectured Biochemistry 2280 for 11 years. One of the largest classes on campus, this core biochemistry and molecular biology course makes use of advanced 'clicker' technology, allowing the more than 1000 students to respond to questions in real-time.

Director of the MD/PhD program from 1995 to 2005, he has also served as chair of undergraduate and graduate committees. During his 2005 to 2006 role as Department of Biochemistry's acting chair, Brandl initiated a task force on graduate student recruitment and a Graduate Endowment Fund. At present, he oversees the Endowment Fund and sits on the Medical Admissions Committee. 

As a father of two, Brandl has been heavily involved in children's sports and is well aware of the vital role teamwork can have not only on the playing field but in scientific research. He credits former Departmental Chair Dr. B. Sanwal as the protagonist in creating the congenial biochemistry department of today. Recognition of his fellow team players extends to yeast researchers, colleagues such as Dr. D. Litchfield, Dr. D. Haniford, Dr. M. Davey, Dr. G. Shaw and Dr. B. Shilton. Brandl remarks, "I'm very team oriented. I know that every player on the team has an important role."

Now, if only yeast will become a team player in the battle against cancer . . .

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