Research, Technology and Innovation

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UNBC Messenger RNA Degradation in Mammalian Cells

Chow Lee (blue sweater) and his student research team. B.C.’s newest research-intensive university is doing exciting research in the treatment of human disease. Dr. Chow Lee’s team of students from the University of Northern British Columbia is conducting research into gene expression and inactivation in mammal cells. Among their discoveries is an enzyme that destroys two cancer-causing proteins in human cells. The project holds great potential for basic and applied research, particularly for new ways of treating cancer in humans.

The project also has the capacity to expand the industry and innovation partnership opportunities in northern B.C. “The enzymes that we discover would be of interest to biotech and pharmaceutical companies,” explains Dr. Lee. Patents granted to the researchers could be licensed out or used to spin off the first biotech company in the region. The people of northern B.C. stand to benefit to a great extent from these innovative findings.

For more information, visit http://www.unbc.ca/releases/2007/02_05cancer.html.

Photo courtesy of the University of Northern British Columbia.

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