Disturbances in sleep and daily activity patterns can lead to safety risks and declining well-being for people living with dementia. However, clinicians lack practical tools to monitor these changes over time. Researchers at UHN’s KITE Research Institute (KITE) found that routinely collecting safety data from wearable, real-time location systems (RTLS) can be used to monitor daily activity and sleep to support people living with dementia.
In this study, led by KITE graduate student Yasser Karam, 47 residents of a specialized dementia care unit wore RTLS bracelets that tracked their movements for an average of nine weeks. The research team analyzed this data to calculate how much participants moved, how regular their daily activity was, and how much time they spent in bed. These digital markers were then analyzed by machine learning models to group participants into six distinct categories, ranging from well-regulated daily activity to severe disturbances.
The researchers confirmed that higher nighttime movement and less regular daily activity were linked to greater sleep difficulties and increased motor agitation, such as restlessness or fidgeting, which can indicate distress. Participants with more disrupted activity were found to be older with more severe cognitive impairment, reduced independence in daily activities, and more mood-related symptoms than those with fewer activity disruptions.
These findings suggest that RTLS can be used as a continuous monitoring tool for sleep and activity disturbances. By identifying meaningful patterns in daily behaviour, this approach could help clinicians detect emerging problems earlier and develop more personalized care plans to support better sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing for people living with dementia.
At the time of the study, first author, Yasser Karam, was a Master’s student co-supervised by Drs. Andrea Iaboni and Shehroz Khan at UHN’s KITE Research Institute. This work was completed as part of his Master’s thesis.
Dr. Andrea Iaboni, co-senior author of the study, is currently a Scientist at UHN’s KITE Research Institute. At the University of Toronto, Dr. Iaboni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and a Faculty Member of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute.
At the time of the study, Dr. Shehroz Khan, co-senior author of the study, was a Scientist at UHN’s KITE Research Institute. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait.
This work was supported by UHN Foundation, AGE-WELL, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Walter & Maria Schroeder Institute for Brain Innovation and Recovery.
Karam Y, Shum LC, Faruk T, Arora T, McArthur C, Chu CH, McGilton KS, Flint AJ, Lim A, Khan SS, Iaboni A. Digital markers and phenotypes of rest-activity rhythms in people with advanced dementia using real-time location data. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2026 Feb 5. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaf288.
A new study from researchers at UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute (DKJEI) found that a non‑surgical approach can effectively manage corneal damage and thinning, helping reduce the risk of vision loss. The findings clarify how different treatment options compare and underscore the importance of careful clinical assessment to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
The integrity of the cornea—the transparent tissue covering the front of the eye—is vital for vision and overall eye health. Perforations (holes) or thinning of the cornea require urgent treatment to prevent vision loss, or in severe cases, loss of the eye itself.
Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA), a specialized medical glue, is commonly used as a first-line treatment for corneal thinning or perforation. If CTA alone is insufficient to restore the cornea's integrity, some patients subsequently undergo a corneal transplant, called penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Previous studies, however, have not clearly established whether outcomes differ between patients who receive PKP and those treated with CTA alone.
To determine whether PKP offers additional benefits, Dr. Clara Chan, a Clinician Investigator at DKJEI, and her team evaluated 189 cases of corneal thinning or perforation. Of these, 125 received CTA alone and 64 received CTA followed by PKP.
The researchers found that post-treatment vision outcomes were similar between groups, even though individuals who underwent PKP had more advanced disease at baseline. Patients requiring PKP were more likely to have a condition that impaired healing or caused inflammation, such as a viral infection. They also found that individuals who ultimately underwent PKP had typically received multiple CTA applications, suggesting that the number of applications may signal the need for surgical intervention.
Overall, the study reinforces CTA as an effective first‑line treatment for corneal perforation and thinning. This is particularly valuable for centres without the capacity to perform PKP. The findings also highlight the importance of tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs—whether CTA alone or CTA followed by PKP—to ensure effective care while minimizing unnecessary surgical risks.
The first author of this study is Ryan Huang, a Doctor of Medicine candidate at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Clara Chan is the senior author of this study. Dr. Chan is a Clinician Investigator at UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and the Medical Director of the Ontario Division of The Eye Bank of Canada.
This work was supported by the UHN Foundation.
Dr. Clara Chan has previously received funds as a consultant from several companies including Abbvie, Bausch & Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Labtician Ophthalmics Inc. She has also received research grant support from Aurion, Corneat, and Claris Bio. For a complete list of competing interests, please see the publication.
Huang RS, Agarwal M, Mimouni M, Chan CC. Comparative effectiveness of penetrating keratoplasty and conservative cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application for corneal perforation and thinning. Eye (Lond). 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1038/s41433-025-04201-6. Epub ahead of print.
New results from a clinical trial at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre shed light on why some targeted cancer therapies are not effective for tumours with specific BRAF gene mutations.
The BRAF gene, which is mutated in many human cancers, encodes a protein that is important for the growth and division of cells. The BRAF protein sends signals to cells through a pathway called the MAPK/ERK pathway—a set of proteins that work together to control important cell behaviours like growth and survival.
Some types of BRAF mutations (class 1 mutations) can be targeted for cancer therapies, while others (class 2 and 3 mutations) have no current targeted therapies. Class 2 and 3 BRAF mutations account for 30% of all solid tumours with BRAF mutations.
Inhibiting the BRAF protein and a protein from the MAPK pathway—called MEK—at the same time is an effective treatment for most cancer types with class 1 BRAF mutations. Despite this, the approach has not previously been used for tumours with class 2 and 3 BRAF mutations. The research team, therefore, wanted to determine the efficacy of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in patients with this type of advanced cancer.
In a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of Binimetinib (MEK inhibitor) and Encorafenib (BRAF inhibitor), the researchers found that these drugs had minimal efficacy against advanced tumours with class 2 or 3 BRAF mutations.
However, the team was still able to establish the safety of this therapeutic regimen and decided to dig deeper in order to understand why the response to these drugs was weak.
By analyzing genetic data from patient tumours, patient-derived tumour models, and other sources, the team discovered several mechanisms that are used by tumours with class 2 and 3 BRAF mutations to resist treatments targeting BRAF and MEK. These mechanisms include the development of new mutations that enable the MAPK signalling pathway to be reactivated and drive tumour growth, and new mutations that drive tumour growth independently of MAPK signalling.
Two other drivers of drug resistance stood out: CDK4/6 and SHP2—proteins that regulate cell growth even when BRAF and MEK are inhibited. Importantly, the researchers found that adding CDK4/6 or SHP2 inhibitors to BRAF/MEK therapy made cancer models more responsive.
The study suggests that simply blocking BRAF and MEK is insufficient to treat most cancers with class 2 and 3 BRAF mutation but targeting a broader range of proteins could overcome tumour resistance and make these treatments more effective. These findings open the door to future combination treatments that could finally offer targeted options for patients with these rare mutations.
Dr. April Rose is first and co-corresponding author of the study. She is a clinician-scientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology at McGill University.
Dr. Anna Spreafico is the co-corresponding author of the study. She is a Clinician Investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
The BEAVER clinical trial was sponsored by the Cancer Genomics Program of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This investigator-initiated trial was supported by Pfizer. Exploratory objectives and preclinical experiments were funded by the Conquer Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, TransMedTech Institute, the Government of Canada, the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Province of Quebec, and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Rose has provided consultation for Advanced Accelerator Applications/Novartis, EMD Serrono, Merck, and Pfizer. Dr. Rose reports research funding from AstraZeneca (Inst), Novartis (Inst), Merck (Inst), Seattle Genetics (Inst), Pfizer (Inst), and Essa Pharma (Inst). Dr. Spreafico reported a consulting advisory role with Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Alents and grant/ research funding from Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Symphogen, AstraZeneca/Medimmune, Merck, Bayer, Surface Oncology, Northern Biologics, Janssen Oncology/Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Regeneron, Alkermes, Array Biopharma/Pfizer, GSK, NuBiyota, Oncorus, Treadwell, Amgen, ALX Oncology, Nubiyota, Genentech, Seagen, Servier, Incyte, and Alentis.
For a full list of competing interests, see the manuscript.
Rose AAN, Maxwell J, Rousselle E, Mukonoweshuro CL, Elkholi IE, Riaud M, Biondini M, Cianfarano E, Soria-Bretones I, Tobin C, McGuire M, Law RWY, Elia AJ, Wang BX, King I, Zhang T, Pugh TJ, Kamil ZS, Butler M, Shepherd FA, Leighl NB, Razak AA, Hansen A, Saibil SD, Bedard PL, Siegel PM, Siu LL, Cescon DW, Spreafico A. Binimetinib and encorafenib for the treatment of advanced solid tumors with non-V600E BRAF mutations: results from the Phase II BEAVER trial. Nat Commun. 2026 Jan 3;17(1):1323. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-68076-7.
Cancer touches nearly every family in Canada. It is the leading cause of death in the country and a disease that continues to affect lives across generations. Despite this, research shows that up to 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through changes in lifestyle, environment, and earlier detection—highlighting the urgent need for research that gives people more tools to protect their health before cancer can develop.
On February 26, 2026, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, visited UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) to announce a $41-million national investment in cancer prevention and early diagnosis research. The initiative, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with five national and international organizations, will support 19 research teams across the country, including two teams at UHN.
“Preventing cancer saves lives and eases the burden on patients, families, and our health care system,” said Minister Michel. “That’s why we’re proud to partner nationally and internationally to support exceptional Canadian researchers working to reduce cancer across the country.”
The announcement underscored growing momentum in prevention research, driven by advances in understanding how biology, behaviour, genetics, and aging intersect to influence cancer risk. This investment aims to accelerate discovery in these evolving areas and create practical, accessible pathways for earlier detection and risk reduction.
Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice President of Science and Research at UHN, highlighted the impact of this coordinated approach. “Research that identifies risk early creates both the time and opportunity to intercept and prevent cancer before it impacts health. This investment allows teams at UHN and across Canada to build shared knowledge and real solutions for patients,” he said.
Dr. Faiyaz Notta, Senior and Allan Slaight Scientist at PM, received $5.3 million to lead the ELDER Study, a Canada–Japan collaboration investigating how aging biology contributes to early‑onset colorectal and pancreatic cancers—diseases that are increasingly diagnosed in younger adults. “By studying the microbiome, genetic mutations, and age‑related epigenetic changes, we aim to understand why the rates of these cancers are rising and how to detect them sooner,” said Dr. Notta.
Dr. Steven Chan, Senior and Allan Slaight Scientist at PM, received nearly $2 million to explore whether GLP‑1 receptor agonists—commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management—can reduce the risk of blood cancers. “Inflammation and metabolism shape how mutant blood stem cells grow and expand. If GLP‑1 medications can interrupt this process, we may have a safe and widely available way to lower blood cancer risk,” said Dr. Chan.
Former Princess Margaret patient Melissa Tobros also spoke at the event, sharing how genetic testing has shaped her family’s understanding of inherited cancer risk and underscoring the human importance of prevention research.
As Canada deepens its investment in prevention-focused science, UHN researchers will continue contributing discovery, collaboration, and leadership—moving closer to a future where fewer people face a cancer diagnosis.
See the full list of the awarded projects here.
On February 11, we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by celebrating the women across UHN whose work drives health research and innovation forward. From principal investigators and trainees to administrators and support teams, their expertise, leadership, and dedication strengthen our collective pursuit of discovery for A Healthier World.
Join us in recognizing the remarkable women of TeamUHN whose contributions continue to shape the future of science.
Jennifer Boateng | PhD Student at UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
I am a fourth-year PhD student in the lab of Dr. Karun Singh at UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, where my research focuses on neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, and autism.
Persistence.
Science is defined by failure as much as by discovery. Progress requires being comfortable with setbacks and staying motivated to move beyond them. When my experiments do not work, my curiosity and desire to answer my questions keep me moving forward. That same persistence has shaped my journey in research, pushing me to grow through challenges despite uncertainty.
What excites me most about my work is that we have access to innovative technologies that enable us to gain deeper insight into disease mechanisms. For example, in my lab, we use patient-derived stem cells to create brain organoids (lab-grown organ models) that help us to better understand disease onset and progression. Our research opens the door to precision medicine, where a patient's stem cells can be used to create individualized treatments.
Being a woman in science means representation and the responsibility of creating space for those who come after me. Scientific research has historically lacked Black women, and showing up confidently and doing meaningful work in this space can help challenge that absence and inspire others to follow similar paths. Being a woman in science also means gaining the tools to address issues that directly affect my community and using science to create lasting change.
To create a more inclusive environment, we need more mentorship programs to help girls early in their career learn how to successfully navigate the system. We also need support systems in place that enable women to focus on having families. Policies like maternity leave and childcare subsidies make it easier for women to confidently stay in science. I also think we must show how all kinds of women belong in science and that it is okay to be vulnerable and emotional.
Hold on to your ‘why’ and let that be what guides you. There will be many ups and downs, and there will be people who tell you that you do not belong in this space. In those moments, return to the passion and purpose that brought you to science in the first place. Your ‘why’ will be the anchor that keeps you moving forward.
Tatyana Mollayeva | Scientist at UHN’s KITE Research Institute
I am a scientist at UHN’s KITE Research Institute and lead the BRIDGE Lab, where we focus on equity‑driven research, education, and community engagement to advance brain health, particularly after traumatic brain injury.
Humility.
Humility has guided my lifelong path as a medical student, clinician, public health professional, researcher, and educator. It reminds me of how much I still have to learn, encourages me to ask questions, and fuels my curiosity. In my work and mentorship, humility helps me value diverse perspectives, fosters shared learning, and ensures our research remains patient‑centred, socially responsible, and grounded in equity.
I am most excited by research that focuses on prevention and equity across all stages of life. My work addresses early risk factors such as sleep and social determinants of health and uses clinical and population‑level data to inform policies and practices that can prevent injury, improve rehabilitation, and reduce long‑term burden. UHN’s vision of A Healthier World recognizes that equity and prevention are essential, not optional, and that deeply resonates with how I approach science every day.
Being a woman in science has deepened my sense of responsibility to those whose voices and experiences are often missing from research. The absence of evidence from historically underrepresented communities is not neutral—it signals who is seen and who remains invisible. I see it as my responsibility to ensure that this invisibility does not persist, and that science serves people across differences in gender, resources, and lived experience.
Creating supportive environments starts with early exposure and encouragement, showing girls that curiosity, persistence, patience, and creativity are just as valuable as speed or assertiveness. Within research settings, we must foster inclusive cultures that value collaboration, provide mentorship and sponsorship, and actively address barriers. Hands‑on experiences, community engagement, and peer networks help women and girls build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging in science.
Believe in yourself and your ideas—your curiosity and creativity matter. Be adaptable, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge what you are told. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Every step of learning makes you stronger and brings you closer to making an impact. Canada needs your vision and your talent, so go for it confidently and keep learning.
Heidy Morales | Research Quality Associate with the Research Quality Integration (RQI) department at UHN.
I work in the Research Quality Integration (RQI) department at UHN as a Research Quality Associate. I have previously worked in clinical research programs across various academic centres in Toronto, including in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, adolescent medicine, and hepatology.
Within my current role, I work closely with investigators and research teams through consultations, training sessions, and support during regulatory inspections. Our team plays a key role in strengthening regulatory compliance and best practice standards across UHN.
Collaboration.
In scientific research, collaboration is key to driving change and propelling new discoveries. My work requires building strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including colleagues, trainees, scientists, research staff, and senior leadership. This ongoing collaboration is what makes my work a learning and rewarding experience.
Being able to contribute to the development and communication of research best practices and delivering education and support that promotes ethical, safe, and high‑quality research across UHN are the most exciting aspects of my work.
I strongly believe that knowledge-sharing and capacity‑building within the research community not only benefits scientists but also our patients and their families.
Being a woman in science means being multifaceted. From direct patient care, lab work, or administrative work, to supporting clinical research, each of us works to advance scientific development.
Being a woman in science also means being motivated by a passion for making a difference and understanding how we can support each other to elevate our contributions—building and advocating for equity and diversity through the work we do every day.
Collectively, we can create opportunities for women and girls in science through advocacy and sponsorship. By creating open and safe spaces for women and girls to network and meet others with varying degrees of experience, we can demystify what it means to work in science.
For women already in the field, having access to flexible work environments, opportunities for ongoing education and professional growth, and having ‘a seat at the table’ where key decisions are made is key. Representation at all levels matters.
My advice would be to stay curious and inquisitive. Showing an interest in learning and engaging with others’ work will open many doors. Being part of STEM means cultivating an open mind and looking for opportunities to learn while at the same time asking questions that may lead to new, transformative initiatives.
I recommend finding areas in STEM that fuel your passion and keep you grounded—seeking those who share your passions to start conversations with. Science needs all of us.
Emily Poulton | PhD Student at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
I am a PhD student at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Dr. Marianne Koritzinsky’s lab. My research focuses on understanding how pancreatic tumours adapt and develop resistance to therapy, with the goal of identifying strategies that can improve treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
Leadership.
I was fortunate to be inspired early on by women in science, and that experience shaped how I approach my own career. I strive to pass that leadership and encouragement on to other women as they begin their research journeys, just as it was passed on to me.
What excites me most about research is that it continually challenges me to learn, think critically, and contribute to the broader scientific understanding of our world. Creating A Healthier World begins with understanding how biological systems function and how disease disrupts them. Our research focuses on overcoming pancreatic tumour resistance to therapies, with the goal of informing more effective treatment strategies in the future.
For me, being a woman in science means showing up with confidence and bringing my unique perspective into every space I enter. The women who came before us carved out opportunities through perseverance and hard work. It’s now our responsibility to continue pushing boundaries and redefining what women in science can achieve.
Early exposure to science and consistent encouragement play a major role in whether girls can envision science as a career. Supporting youth through meaningful engagement in scientific fields is essential, as is reinforcing that women are valued members of the workforce. These efforts help promote positive, inclusive experiences for women at UHN and beyond.
Stay persistent and do not back down. When doors don’t open, have the courage to open them yourself. You deserve to follow your passions and shape the life and career you envision. Simply showing up is already a powerful first step.
Dr. Stephanie Protze | Scientist at UHN’s McEwen Stem Cell Institute
I am a Scientist working in regenerative medicine and cardiovascular research using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
Passion.
In my journey from undergraduate student to Principal investigator, I have consistently pursued what excites me and always worked with passion on research projects, which helped me accomplish my goals.
In my lab, we aim to harness the power of hPSCs to develop new therapies for cardiovascular disease. I am excited to work at the intersection of basic research and translation with the goal of bringing at least one of our stem cell-based therapies to the clinic during my career at UHN. These therapies will offer regenerative solutions and significantly improve treatment options, thereby contributing to UHN's vision of A Healthier World.
I am deeply grateful to my mentors who supported me throughout my career. As a woman and mother pursuing a scientific career, I appreciate living in an era that increasingly supports women, while recognizing that there is still work to be done. With that, I am committed to advancing and supporting the next generation of female scientists.
I strongly believe in the value of mentorship and in providing the tailored support that female trainees may need to thrive in their scientific careers, such as ensuring access to maternity leave and childcare. These supports benefit not only the trainee during important life transitions, but also their supervisor and the broader research team by maintaining continuity and stability within the laboratory.
My advice to young women interested in pursuing a career in STEM is to follow your passion and choose a path that truly inspires you. When you are driven by genuine interest, success naturally follows. I encourage you to seek out mentors and support networks that can guide you along the way—these relationships are invaluable to navigate challenges and reach your full potential.
Ayda Zokai | Research Administrative Assistant at the Latner Thoracic Research Labs, UHN
I am a Research Administrative Assistant in the lab of Dr. Marcelo Cypel at the Latner Thoracic Research Labs, UHN. I am also the co-lead of the AI and Big Data Sub-Committee within UHN's Research IDEA committee.
Unpredictable.
I could not have foreseen my career trajectory at UHN. From patient care to research, my path continued to evolve. Now, I have been given the ability to learn about IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) principles. I am grateful to my open and collaborative colleagues who brought me in and invested their time and energy to propel me forward.
Working on the Research IDEA Committee has become a passion project for me. I have had the opportunity to delve deeper into principles of justice, understand where gaps exist in the current health care system, and be inspired by the many ways we can continue to embed IDEA principles in all aspects of clinical and research processes. This work aligns with Research at UHN's commitment to “lead change towards an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) research environment.”
It means providing a perspective that may not have been at the table otherwise. I have watched trainees come together in different ways to make sure women feel comfortable in male-dominated environments, and I have seen team building take on a different shape.
Through initiatives like UHN STEM Pathways, we can support and encourage a passion for STEM subjects from a young age. We can also create a more inclusive environment by maintaining an active focus on understanding and meeting the needs of women in our department. Sometimes, fostering belonging can be as simple as leaving space for those who have not spoken in a meeting. Seeing women bring their whole selves to the workplace and be honoured and uplifted is a huge point of inspiration to me.
It's okay to be seen and heard. Certain labs may be more male-dominated, but you have earned your place at the table just as they have. You are allowed to stand up straight during presentations and to ask questions and not apologize for it. Bring your unique self to the office—we are better for it.
Researchers from UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) have developed a new technique to rapidly identify molecules that bind to human protein targets. The method, called enantioselective affinity selection mass spectrometry (E-ASMS), is a highly sensitive screening tool that can detect even weak interactions between small molecules and proteins during the drug discovery process.
Traditionally, discovering possible drug molecules starts with high-throughput screening (HTS), where scientists use a variety of assays to test large libraries of chemicals against a protein target. This process often produces false positives—in which the assay suggests a chemical binds to the protein when it does not—and misses chemicals that bind weakly. Any compounds that show activity must then be confirmed through time and labour-intensive methods.
To address these challenges, the research team developed E-ASMS—an assay with improved sensitivity that works by using a clever twist: it measures how mirror-image versions of a molecule (called enantiomers) interact with proteins. Small molecules may come in two mirror‑image forms—like left and right hands—that can bind differently to the proteins they target. E-ASMS can detect when one form fits better than the other, called enantioselective binding.
To test E-ASMS, the team screened over 8,000 chemical compounds—50/50 mixtures of both mirror image forms of a chemical—against 31 human proteins, including many thought to be difficult targets.
They discovered 16 promising molecules that bind to 12 proteins, as well as solved the 3D structures of several of the protein-molecule complexes identified. Some of these proteins, such as HAT1, which is linked to cancers and developmental disorders, have long been considered nearly “undruggable.”
By detecting interactions that other methods often miss, this approach accelerates the discovery of new molecules from relatively small chemical libraries. In addition, detecting when only one mirror-image of a molecule binds provides an extra layer of evidence against false positives, reducing the need for extra tests.
The team plans to scale up the use of E-ASMS to screen thousands of proteins and create a massive machine-readable open database to accelerate global drug discovery efforts in the near future.
“This could transform how we find chemical starting points for medicines,” says co-senior author Dr. Levon Halabelian, Affiliate Scientist at PM and researcher at The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC).
Overall, E-ASMS can help reveal hard-to-find chemical–protein interactions with speed and precision, opening the door to finding drug targets that have remained out of reach until now.
Drs. Jianxian Sun, Xiaoyun Wang, and Shabbir Ahmad are co-first authors of this study. Dr. Sun is a research scientist, and Dr. Wang is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Dr. Peng’s lab. Dr. Ahmad is a Scientific Associate at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Drs. Hui Peng and Levon Halabelian are co-corresponding authors of this study. Dr. Peng is an Affiliate Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM), Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, and a Scientist at the Structural Genomics Consortium – Toronto. Dr. Halabelian is an Affiliate Scientist at PM, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, and a Scientist at the Structural Genomics Consortium – Toronto.
This work was supported by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the National Institute of Health, the Government of Ontario, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) receives direct member funding from Amgen Inc., Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, as well as grant funding from the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking, the Gates Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
SGC also receives financial and in-kind contributions from Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca UK Limited, Novo Nordisk A/S, Abcam Limited, Chemspace LLC, Enamine Germany GmbH, IBM Research Israel – Science and Technology Ltd., Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Vernalis (R&D) Limited.
Wang X, Sun J, Ahmad S, Yang D, Li F, Chan UH, Zeng H, Simoben CV, Green SR, Silva M, Houliston S, Dong A, Bolotokova A, Gibson E, Kutera M, Ghiabi P, Kondratov I, Matviyuk T, Chuprina A, Mavridi D, Lenz C, Joerger AC, Brown BD, Heath RB, Yue WW, Robbie LK, Beyett TS, Müller S, Knapp S, Owen DR, Harding R, Schapira M, Brown PJ, Santhakumar V, Ackloo S, Arrowsmith CH, Edwards AM, Peng H, Halabelian L. Enantioselective protein affinity selection mass spectrometry (E-ASMS) .Nat Commun. 2025 Dec 17;17(1):651. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-67403-2.
UHN has received a historic $27.1 million in total funding from the CIHR Project Grant Fall 2025 competition. The funding supports 31 research teams across UHN, including 24 full research grants and seven priority announcements.
The CIHR Project Grant program is designed to offer scientists, at any stage of their careers, funding for ideas with the greatest potential to advance health-related knowledge, research methodologies, patient care, and overall outcomes. In this recent competition, CIHR has invested approximately $413 million to fund 421 research grants across Canada. An additional 83 priority announcement grants were funded over $9.7 million, and 17 supplemental prizes were awarded a total of $450,000.
Among the UHN-funded projects are investigations into a new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia (led by Dr. Steven Chan) and how BRCA2 mutations alter breast tissue before cancer begins (led by Dr. Frederico Gaiti). Other teams are studying immune pathways that are associated with age-related memory loss (led by Dr. Valeria Ramaglia) and developing new therapeutic strategies for retinal neurodegeneration, like glaucoma (led by Dr. Jeremy Sivak).
Some additional projects include determining which kidney transplant patients are most at risk of transplant failure (led by Dr. Ana Konvalinka) and identifying the challenges of personal support workers in Ontario to improve training, policy, and workforce stability (led by Drs. Nicole Woods, Sandra McKay, Maria Mylopoulos, and Stella Ng).
This funding is fueling innovations that lead to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and stronger health systems. Thanks to CHIR’s support, UHN researchers are turning discoveries into real-world impact and helping create A Healthier World for all. Congratulations to all the awardees!
See the full list of the awarded projects here.
Research at UHN takes place across its research institutes, clinical programs, and collaborative centres. Each of these has specific areas of focus in human health and disease, and work together to advance shared areas of research interest. UHN's research spans the full breadth of the research pipeline, including basic, translational, clinical, policy, and education.
See some of our research areas below:
Research at UHN is conducted under the umbrella of the following research institutes. Click below to learn more:
