Research Assistant:
The primary goal of Dr. Michael’s research group is to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in tumor progression and to identify new therapies that improve both the overall survival and quality of life for cancer patients. The lab’s main focus is on the biology of neuroendocrine tumors and brain metastasis. They investigate tumor heterogeneity, cancer plasticity, the drivers of metastasis, and their responses to current clinical therapies.
Dr. Michael’s lab employs a variety of tools and methods, including genome manipulation, genetically engineered mouse models, transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial omics, and imaging techniques. To maximize the translational potential and clinical impact of their research, the team utilizes multiple omics approaches to analyze existing patient biospecimens at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre as well as surplus surgical samples to develop patient-derived organoids and xenografts.
Researchers in Dr. Michael’s lab collaborate with research groups both within the Sunnybrook Research Institute and around the world. Importantly, they engage with clinical oncologists, pathologists, and patient partners to gain a better understanding of the unmet clinical needs and the needs of patients.
Education
- B.Pharm Honours, 2002, University of Patras, Greece
- M.Sc., 2005, Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada
- PhD, 2010, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Canada
Appointments & Affiliations
- Scientist, Biological Sciences, Odette Cancer Research Program,
- Associate Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto,
Affiliated Labs & Programs
Selected Publications
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Saghafinia S#, Homicsko K, Domenico AD, Wullschleger S, Perren A, Marinoni I, Ciriello G, Michael IP#*, Hanahan D*. Cancer Cells Retrace a Stepwise Differentiation Program during Malignant Progression. Cancer Discovery. 2021 Oct 1. #equal contribution, *co-corresponding authors
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Michael IP, Saghafinia S, Hanahan D. A set of microRNAs coordinately controls tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. PNAS. 2019 Nov 26;116(48):24184-24195.
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Zeng Q, Michael IP, Zhang P, Saghafinia S, Knott G, Jiao W, McCabe BD, Galván JA, Robinson HPC, Zlobec I, Ciriello G, Hanahan D. Synaptic proximity enables NMDAR signalling to promote brain metastasis. Nature. 2019 Sep 18;573(7775):526-531.
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Michael IP, Saghafinia S, Tichet M, Zangger N, Marinoni I, Perren A, Hanahan D. ALK7 Signaling Manifests a Homeostatic Tissue Barrier That Is Abrogated during Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Developmental Cell. 2019 May 6;49(3):409-424.e6.
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Allen E, Jabouille A, Rivera LB, Lodewijckx I, Missiaen R, Steri V, Feyen K, Tawney J, Hanahan D, Michael IP, Bergers G. Combined antiangiogenic and anti-PD-L1 therapy stimulates tumor immunity through HEV formation. Sci Transl Med 2017 Apr 12;9(385).See full list of publications on PubMed: