Mark D. Baker

Dr. Mark D. Baker is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on homologous recombination mechanisms in mammalian cells, particularly their role in cancer development and DNA repair. He leads a laboratory investigating recombination hotspots, gene targeting, and the genetic control of recombination via proteins like Rad51 and BRCA2. His work is supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

Education:

• B.Sc., Laurentian University
• M.Sc., University of Waterloo
• Ph.D., University of Waterloo

Research Interests:

• Mechanisms of homologous recombination
• Recombination's role in tumorigenesis
• Recombination hotspots and genetic instability
• Gene targeting applications in therapy

Grant Support:

• CIHR Operating Grants
• NSERC Discovery Grants

Laboratory: The Baker Lab uses molecular genetics, immunological techniques, and somatic cell genetics to study recombination processes. Ongoing projects include investigating Rad51/BRCA2 interactions and the effects of caffeine on recombination pathways.