Sashko Damjanovski

Sashko Damjanovski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Western University, located in London, Ontario. His research focuses on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, particularly the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs/RECK) in cell migration, invasion, and developmental processes. He leads the Damjanovski lab, which employs advanced techniques like 3D cell culture, live imaging, and molecular biology to study these mechanisms in contexts ranging from cancer to developmental biology.

Dr. Damjanovski holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Toronto. He has a strong academic background, with affiliations at the Children’s Health Research Institute and the Department of Biology at Western University. His work bridges developmental biology and oncology, addressing how MMP activity and signaling influence tissue remodeling in health and disease.

Recent research trends in his articles emphasize the interplay between MMPs and TIMPs in regulating cell behavior, with studies on salmonid cardiac development under temperature stress and breast cancer cell migration. His lab utilizes a variety of experimental models, including Xenopus laevis embryos and mammalian cancer cell lines, to dissect ECM dynamics and their implications in diseases like cancer.

Dr. Damjanovski has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to their academic and professional development. His lab collaborates with core facilities such as the Microscopy and Bioimaging Center (MGU core) and the Biotron for specialized equipment needs.