Professor

Igor Stagljar

Molecular Genetics

PhD

Location
Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomedical Research
Address
160 College Street, Room 1204, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 3E1
Research Interests
Cancer, Drug discovery, design, development and screening, Proteomics and proteins, Signalling, Technology development

We are currently directing major proteomics projects to map how integral membrane proteins interact to produce either healthy or diseased cells, to identify novel membrane PPI therapeutic targets, and to screen for novel drugs, in particular, to target lung cancer. One such newly identified and repurposed drug that targets a mutated protein on the surface of lung cancer cells is currently the subject of prompt clinical study. We also work with leading clinicians and scientists worldwide to advance research on health issues such as cancer and, since recently, COVID-19.

Our lab recently developed a sensitive and innovative pinprick COVID-19 serological test named SATiN (for (Serological Assay based on split TrIpart Nanoluciferase) that accurately measures in under one-hour concentration of coronavirus antibodies in the blood of people either infected with SARS-CoV-2 or synthesized in their bodies post-vaccination. SATiN is the first COVID-19 serology test that uses highly sensitive protein complementation chemistry which takes advantage of a modified form of luciferase – an enzyme that gives fireflies their light-emitting power through a biochemical reaction.

Courses taught

  • BCH2024H Membrane Proteomics in Biomedical Research
  • MMG1227 Special Topics in Advanced Cancer Proteomics
  • BCH444H Protein Trafficking in the Secretory and Endocytic Pathways

Awards

  • 2000 Co-founder, of the biotech company Dualsystems Biotech Inc.
  • 2003 EMBO Young Principal Investigator Award
  • 2014 National Award “Rudjer Boskovic” for the Scientific Achievements by University of Split, Croatia
  • 2014 Member of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Science
  • 2015 The 2015 Inventor of the Year Award, University of Toronto
  • 2016 Croatian Biological Society Plaque “Zdravko Lorkovic” for outstanding contributions to biology
  • 2021 Co-founder of the biotech company Perturba Therapeutix Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada

Cross-affiliations

  • Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto
  • Donnelly Centre