معرفی
Kirk McManus is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and a Senior Scientist at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba. His research program focuses on chromosome instability (CIN) in cancer, particularly colorectal and ovarian cancers, leveraging cutting-edge genetic and imaging technologies to uncover molecular mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets.
Dr. McManus earned his BSc (Honours) and MSc in Genetics from the University of Manitoba, followed by a PhD in Experimental Oncology from the University of Alberta, and completed his postdoctoral training at the Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia. He returned to Winnipeg in 2009 to establish his independent research program.
His research interests include chromosome instability, synthetic lethality, precision medicine, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, quantitative imaging microscopy (QuantIM), organoid models, and drug discovery. His lab employs advanced techniques to study how disruptions in genome integrity drive cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. By identifying cancer-specific vulnerabilities, his work aims to develop therapies that selectively target malignant cells while sparing healthy ones.
Although no specific article list was provided, the research described spans molecular oncology, cancer genetics, functional genomics, and translational medicine, with a strong emphasis on colorectal and ovarian cancers. The work integrates single-cell analysis, high-throughput screening, and patient-derived models to advance precision oncology.
- Merit Award for Research & Scholarly Work, University of Manitoba (2022)
- Scientists’ Choice Award, Best Drug Discovery & Development Article of the Year (2017)
- Merit Award for Research, Teaching & Service, University of Manitoba (2016)
- University of Manitoba Graduate Student Association Teaching Award (2016)
Dr. McManus actively mentors undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees, fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. He has secured substantial funding from CIHR, CancerCare Manitoba, NSERC, and Research Manitoba to support his research and trainee development. His lab collaborates with the Manitoba Ovarian Biobanking Program and leads the Quantitative Imaging, Phenotyping, and Sorting (QuIPS) Platform, enhancing translational research capacity. Future work will continue to explore CIN genes such as SKP2 and FBXO44, develop PROTAC-based therapies, and expand synthetic lethality approaches to overcome drug resistance.
His lab, the McManus Lab, is located at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, and is actively recruiting motivated students and researchers. The team emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and equity, and is committed to advancing both fundamental knowledge and clinical impact in cancer biology.
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