Vijay Ramaswamy

Research Synopsis

Molecular classification and novel target identification in ependymoma

Through an integrated genomic analyses of high risk pediatric brain tumours we seek to establish robust molecular classifications, define molecular landscapes and identify putative new targets for therapy.  Clinically annotated cohorts and clinical trial specimens are being preferentially used to provide clinical correlates to molecular findings. We leverage this genomic data to identify new targets for therapy which we validate in representative model systems. In parallel we leverage unbiased screening to correlate with human molecular datasets.

Mechanisms to overcome radioresistance in pediatric brain tumours

Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for the majority of children with pediatric brain tumours.  Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, we seek to identify mechanisms of treatment resistance, primarily radiation resistance. Synthetic lethal approaches are employed to identify vulnerabilities in response to DNA damage, which may allow us to identify new and novel radiosensitizers.