Jonathan Yeung, MD, PhD, FRCSC

Associate Professor, University of Toronto

We are dedicated to the field of translational molecular biology and use cutting-edge genomics technologies. Our research focuses on two critical areas: understanding the complexities of esophageal adenocarcinoma and enhancing diagnostics in lung transplantation. By integrating innovative genomic approaches with clinical insights, we aim to uncover new therapeutic strategies and improve patient care.

Kazuhiro Yasufuku, MD, PhD, FRCSC

Head, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University Health Network

FG Pearson – RJ Ginsberg Chair in Thoracic Surgery

William Coco Chair in Surgical Innovation for Lung Cancer

Senior Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute

Director of Endoscopy, University Health Network

Director, Interventional Thoracic Surgery Program, University Health Network

Professor and Chair, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Toronto

Lung Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of death for both men and women in Canada. The Yasufuku Lab focuses mainly on developing minimally invasive diagnoses and treatments for lung cancer. Bench top to bedside translational research has been ongoing for over a decade.

Gavin Wilson, MSc, PhD

Assistant Scientist, Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories / Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network

Assistant Professor, Departments of Surgery, University of Toronto

Assistant Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology

The Wilson lab focuses on developing computational and molecular methods to deconvolute clinically and biologically relevant signatures from transplant and cancer datasets. The primary focus of my lab is Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Lung Transplantation. We work with datasets including bulk and single cell RNA-seq, whole genome and cell free DNA methylation profiling, and spatial transcriptomics.

Thomas K Waddell, MSc, PhD, MD, FRCSC

Senior Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI)

Cancer Clinical Research Unit (CCRU), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Andrew T. Sage, MSc, PhD

Toronto Lung Transplant Program,
University Health Network

Assistant Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery

Associate Member, Institute of Medical Science

Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Our lab focuses on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of human organs studied in isolation through ex vivo perfusion technology.

Mingyao Liu, MD

James and Mary Davie Chair in Lung Injury, Repair and Regeneration, TGHRI, UHN

Professor of Surgery, Director of Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

The current research in my lab focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of ischemia reperfusion injury in lung transplantation. Using transcriptomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics we are studying the role of different types of cell death and metabolic changes in donor lungs. Using cell culture and animal models, we are developing new organ preservation solution and EVLP perfusion solution.

Golnaz Karoubi, PhD

Scientist, Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, University Health Network

Assistant Professor, University of Toronto;

Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lung and Airway Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Acute and chronic airway and lung disease, represent a major health care problem. Research interests focus on the use of tissue engineering approaches, biomimetic culture systems, and stem cells for lung and airway repair and regeneration with the goal to engineer clinically applicable therapeutic strategies for end-stage lung disease. Studies include: (1) generation of biomimetic 3D organoid and culture systems for airway epithelium; (2) application of pluripotent stem cell-derived lung epithelial cells for airway regeneration; (3) cell-based therapeutic applications for end-stage lung disease (with focus on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis); and (4) decellularization/recellularization approaches for development of bioengineered airway grafts.

Marc de Perrot, MD

Senior Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI)

Cancer Clinical Research Unit (CCRU), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. de Perrot’s research focuses on innovative approaches to integrate immunotherapy with a short course of radiation and surgery for the treatment of mesothelioma. His work also focuses on the role of the immune system in the development of pulmonary hypertension, particularly in the context of pulmonary emboli. The surgical treatment of CTEPH with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) performed at UHN provides unique opportunities to analyze this condition in the his laboratory. His laboratory has developed multiple experimental models to study the development and treatment of mesothelioma.