Suleiman A. Igdoura, McMaster University

Profile photo of Suleiman A. Igdoura, expert at McMaster University

Associate Professor Department of Biology Hamilton, Ontario igdoura@mcmaster.ca Office: (905) 525-9140 ext. 27729
(905) 525-9141 ext. 23973

Bio/Research

Dr. Igdoura specializes in the molecular genetics of sialidase and its role in monogenic as well as multifactorial diseases. A deficiency in the sialidase enzyme leads to the pathogenesis of a specific class of monogenic diseases classified as lysosomal storage disorders.

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Bio/Research

Dr. Igdoura specializes in the molecular genetics of sialidase and its role in monogenic as well as multifactorial diseases. A deficiency in the sialidase enzyme leads to the pathogenesis of a specific class of monogenic diseases classified as lysosomal storage disorders.

These autosomal recessive genetic disorders typically affect young children of approximately 2-3 years of age, and in their severe form, cause early life fatalities by the age of five. Dr. Igdoura’s laboratory is interested in the genetic mutations causing such disease and the resulting pathogenic steps that manifest in a patient due to such DNA mutations. The added stress placed on these mutated cells causes them to react within the central nervous system (CNS) and prematurely die. This triggers an immune response and initiates a molecular cascade where immune cells invade the CNS and cause neuroinflammation. Dr. Igdoura and his research team are interested in identifying the steps within this cascade process with hope to deregulate harmful molecular effects, leading to the betterment of the patient’s quality of life.

In addition, Dr. Igdoura's group investigates the impact of sialidase on a multifactorial disease: atherosclerosis. This projects utilizes atherogenic mouse models crossed with a sialidase deficient mouse. Dr. Igdoura’s lab has discovered that a decrease in cell surface sialidase activity protects from atherosclerosis. They have successfully tested inhibitors for sialidase and can demonstrate how these inhibitors can reduce atherosclerosis. The underlying mechanism for this protection is currently being investigated.

Both projects are funded from CIHR, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and private donations.


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