Cancer treatment – One big step closer
Jörg Stetefeld and his team at the Faculty of Science are pushing the boundaries of knowledge when it comes to cancer treatment.
Jörg Stetefeld is a professor and (Tier 1) Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology and Biophysics at the department of chemistry at the University of Manitoba. Stetefeld and his research group recently published a paper titled, “The dynamic nature of netrin-1 and the structural basis for glycosaminoglycan fragment-induced filament formation” in Nature publication.
Stetefeld says the idea in his research has always been the same. Netrin is known to play a crucial role in cancer progression and the migration of cancer cells. If we understand the molecular mechanisms of netrin and its interactions with receptors at atomic resolution, we can develop drug targets and antibodies that can effectively modulate netrin’s interactions. He underlines the significance of collaborations both within Canada and internationally as he knows the cure to cancer can never be achieved by a single person or at a single lab.
Stetefeld research group consists of young brilliant minds who face a particular challenge in their field. Having a high frustration tolerance is needed for acquiring research support, dealing with experimental and intellectual challenges and not giving up. Stetefeld says he is grateful for his students and their persistence. He emphasizes the importance of having a burning passion inside to work on cancer research because of these specific challenges. While validating the need for stability in one’s career, Stetefeld reminds us that it is not often the case in research.
He continues to mention that now would be an excellent opportunity for young researchers, especially women in Canada, to enter the cancer research fields.
Watch the full interview on Faculty of Science YouTube channel.