Guy Sauvageau, founding scientific director of IRIC, is the principal investigator of the molecular genetics of stem cells unit of IRIC and hematologist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. After his studies in medicine, specializing in hematology, he obtained a master’s degree in immunology-virology from the University of Montreal and a doctorate in experimental medicine from the University of British Columbia in the laboratories of Keith Humphries and Connie Eaves.
His laboratory has provided a better understanding of the molecular bases of the self-renewal of normal and leukemic hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), by deepening our understanding of the function of Hox genes and other chromatin modifiers (Polycomb, demethylases, etc.). Over the years, the laboratory has also distinguished itself for the development of primary cellular assays adapted to the nonbiased screening of genes and small molecules involved in the expansion and differentiation of HSCs. More recently, in close collaboration with medicinal chemists at IRIC, under the direction of Anne Marinier principal investigator at IRIC, the team identified a new molecule which, for the first time, allows ex vivo expansion CSH. This optimized molecule, UM171, activates a previously unknown mechanism of action, involving a new E3 ligase complex which appears central in the epigenetic control of HSC expansion, both in vitro and in vivo. Initially used to expand cord blood stem cells before transplantation in more than 120 patients, it has led to impressive clinical results, appearing to outperform some more standard transplants.
Guy Sauvageau also codirects, with Marinier, Hébert, Lavallée, Lemieux and Zawati laboratories, the Leucégène project, an initiative that brings together several Quebec researchers aimed at improving the characterization of acute myeloid leukemia and developing new therapies for this disease.
He is also the scientific founder of ExCellThera, a biotechnology company that develops new methods of culturing blood stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
