Alexandre Dubrac

Dr. Alexandre Dubrac is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at Université de Montréal and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying vascular morphogenesis and disease, particularly in retinopathies and congenital vascular malformations. He holds a PhD in Angiogenesis from the University of Bordeaux (2008) and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University (2012-2018) and Paul Sabatier University (2009-2011).

• Education:
  • PhD in Angiogenesis, INSERM U1029, University of Bordeaux (2005-2008)
  • Master’s in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, INSERM U589, Paul Sabatier University (2003-2004)
  • Bachelor’s in Biology, Paul Sabatier University (2002)

His lab investigates endothelial cell and pericyte interactions, TGFβ signaling in retinal vascular quiescence, and therapeutic targets for proliferative retinopathies. Key projects include studying TGFβ’s role in retinal EC proliferation and identifying pericyte markers to combat pathological angiogenesis.

Research Highlights:

• Discovered Slit2/Robo1 signaling’s essential role in retinal vascularization
• Identified NCK-dependent pericyte migration in ischemic retinopathy
• Explored SMAD4’s inhibition of Casein Kinase 2 in vascular malformations

Awards and Funding:

• Chercheur-boursier (junior 1), FRQS (2019-2023)
• IRSC Major Grant (2019-2024)
• American Heart Association Scientific Development Grant (2017-2020)

Labs and Collaborations: Leads the Control of Organotypic Vascular Morphogenesis and Quiescence lab at CHU Sainte-Justine, collaborating with institutions like Yale University and INSERM.