Welcome to the
Riabowol Lab
Discovering the molecular keystones of aging and cancer through epigenetic research. Explore our groundbreaking work on tumour suppressors, telomere biology, and the genetic mechanisms behind accelerated aging syndromes.
Investigating Epigenetic Controls in
Cancer and Aging
The Riabowol Laboratory investigates the mechanisms that maintain cellular senescence in normal cells and how these are bypassed during cancerous immortalization. Focusing on telomeres, tumor suppressors, and transcription factors, the lab has identified a novel tumor suppressor, ING1, which plays a crucial role in cellular aging and immortalization. The ING gene family produces over 15 proteins through alternative splicing and promoter usage, featuring PHD domains that bind the H3K4Me3 histone mark, integral to active transcription. This interaction allows the proteins to modulate chromatin structure and gene expression by targeting either histone acetyltransferase (HAT) or histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes. Research includes developing knockout models to study telomeres' impact on biological aging and the role of ING proteins in cell development and aging.
Research Axes
Cancer
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cellular immortalization, focusing on how genetic mutations and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of cancer.
Epigenetics
Exploring the dynamic regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, to understand their roles in development, differentiation, and disease.
Cellular Aging
Elucidating the complex networks that control cellular aging, focusing on the molecular and genetic pathways that drive cellular senescence, age-related diseases, and the overall aging process.
Featured Publications
Gender and telomere length: systematic review and meta-analysis
Experimental gerontology
Gardner Michael, Bann David, Wiley Laura, Cooper Rachel, Hardy Rebecca, Nitsch Dorothea, Martin-Ruiz Carmen, Shiels Paul, Sayer Avan Aihie, Barbieri Michelangela, others undefined
2014
Survivin as a preferential target for cancer therapy
International journal of molecular sciences
Mobahat Mahsa, Narendran Aru, Riabowol Karl
2014
REAP: A two minute cell fractionation method
BMC research notes
Suzuki Keiko, Bose Pinaki, Leong-Quong Rebecca YY, Fujita Donald J, Riabowol Karl
2010
After a decade of study-ING, a PHD for a versatile family of proteins
Trends in biochemical sciences
Soliman Mohamed A, Riabowol Karl
2007
Dr. Karl Riabowol
Principal Investigator
Dr. Riabowol is a full tenured Professor at the University of Calgary where he heads the Aging and Immortalization Laboratory within the Robson DNA Sciences Centre. Following training at Simon Fraser University, the University of Southern California, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, he held a staff position at Cold Spring Harbor Lab before joining the Cancer Biology Research Group at the University of Calgary in 1991. He served two terms as the Head of the Cancer Biology Group in the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine and as Vice Director of the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute.
Current Members
Lab News
May 30, 2024
Alexander Hill successfully defends his M.Sc. thesis
Alexander Hill has successfully defended his thesis on "Probing the activity of the inhibitor of growth 1a (ING1a) gene promoter under conditions of cellular stress". His research sheds light on the activity of senescence markers' promoters with a focus of ING1a".
Apr 18, 2024
Dr. Arthur Dantas successfully defends his thesis
Dr. Arthur Dantas has successfully defended his thesis on 'ING5 regulates stemness and the cell cycle in human and murine models.', marking a pivotal moment in his academic journey. His research offers novel insights into the complex regulatory roles of ING5.
