A unique model
IRIC, located in the heart of the Université de Montréal campus, operates according to a unique model in Canada that combines, under one roof, fundamental research activities, a university-level training program and a research maturation team. These generate discoveries that advance knowledge or that can quickly translate into new therapeutic solutions.
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News Unmutated tumor antigens: exploitable targets for immunotherapy
The team headed by Claude Perreault, Director of IRIC’s Immunobiology Research Unit, has identified novel tumor antigens that could lead to the development of vaccines for the treatment of two cancers: melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. To achieve this, the team led by PhD student Anca Apavaloaei has adopted an unbiased approach that examines all genetic material, including DNA described as “junk” because it is not coding for any known protein. The work, the fruit of collaborations with the Epitopea company, McGill University, the University of Liège and the University of Lausanne, has been published in the journal Nature Cancer.
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News Running: a mirror of life. Testimony of Sasmita Tripathy, Assistant Director of IRIC’s Drug Discovery Unit
Sasmita Tripathy has been a runner for many years, a sport she loves for both her physical and psychological well-being. Through her testimony, she shows us how all spheres of her life are interrelated; a touching reflection that highlights her determination, her kindness and her will to change things, both in the laboratory and in her personal life. IRIC is proud to present this inspiring personality.
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News Julie Lessard and David Knapp awarded in CIHR’s latest competition
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) recently awarded Project Grants for the Spring 2025 competition. This program aims to support original ideas with the potential to advance basic and applied health knowledge. One project involving IRIC teams is a recipient of these prestigious grants.
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News 2025 Student Recruitment Event: Meet the next generation of inspiring scientists!
Each year, the Student Recruitment Event offers to students interested in pursuing graduate studies in cancer research a unique opportunity to participate in an international recruitment event at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal. The 2025 edition took place from June 3 to 6 and welcomed 31 participants from various universities around the world. For this edition, more than 139 interviews were scheduled between participants and researchers from the Institute attending the event. During their stay, participants were able to:
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News New genetic tools to study chromatin remodeling in hematopoiesis
The team led by Julie Lessard, Director of IRIC’s Chromatin Structure and Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, has generated new genetic tools to study the role of two subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in hematopoiesis. The work, led by research advisor Pierre Priam, is published in the journal Experimental Hematology.
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News Stem Cell Network funds two projects by Guy Sauvageau’s team
The Stem Cell Network (SCN) recently awarded $13.5 million to fund 36 regenerative medicine research projects and clinical trials across the country. Guy Sauvageau, Director of the Molecular Genetics of Stem Cells Research Unit, has received funding for two projects through these grants.
Upcoming events
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February 15, 2024—August 31, 2025 Université de Montréal launches “L’heure est brave” campaign
To meet the major challenges of our time, the Université de Montréal is launching the “L’heure est brave” campaign. By contributing, you will help the University to develop the potential of its students, innovate for the common good, look after the health of living beings and improve the daily lives of communities. Your donations can make a difference. Let’s join forces to build tomorrow’s world.
Latest publications
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July 1, 2025 O-GlcNAcylation of FOXK1 co-opts BAP1 to orchestrate the E2F pathway and promotes oncogenesis.
Ahmed O, Masclef L, Iannantuono N, Gagnon J, Gushul-Leclaire M, Boulay K, Estavoyer B, Echbicheb M, Ali Boubacar K, Poy M, Boubekeur A, Menggad S, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Balsalobre A, Bonneil E, Thibault P, Hulea L, Mallette FA, Drouin J, Tanaka Y, Affar EB
Nat Commun 2025-07-01 ;16( 1 ):5959 -
June 30, 2025 Sphingosine simultaneously inhibits nuclear import and activates PP2A by binding importins and PPP2R1A.
Jayashankar V, Kubiniok P, McCracken AN, Gentry RG, Eckenstein KH, Sernissi L, Vece V, Garsi JB, Valles SY, Jung S, Hoffman NC, Perrochon AS, Selwan EM, Finicle BT, Pitman M, Lin D, Bonneil E, Xu R, Mao C, Kaiser P, Fruman DA, Mobley D, Jang C, Hanessian S, Thibault P, Edinger AL
EMBO J 2025-06-30 ; - See all publications