Welcome to the Downey Lab!
We use budding yeast and human cell culture as model systems to understand how protein acetylation and polyphosphate molecules impact molecular biology of the cell. Some of our work aims to link conserved aspects of cell signalling to human diseases such as cancer and ageing. Other aspects of our work are driven by a desire to expand knowledge about fundamental biological systems. Our research focus is constantly evolving as we learn more about the world around us.
I am looking for a grad student interested in yeast genetics and protein acetylation: email me at mdowne2@uottawa.ca if interested.
Our Current Research
Our current research focuses on two major themes. The first theme is the role of non-histone protein acetylation in the regulation of cellular stress responses. Second, we have become interested in a fascinating molecule called polyphosphate, which, like acetylation, can be attached to lysine residues as a PTM. We are also interested in diverse aspects of polyphosphate synthesis, degradation, and storage in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Our work is funded by diverse sources. Past and present research funding is acknowledged below.
Our Community Involvement
We are super excited for the awesome "SUPER COOL SCIENTISTS" A Coloring Book Celebrating Women in Science. Written by Sara MacSorley and illustrated by Yvonne Page this coloring book celebrates the amazing stories of 22 women that are working in the STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The Downey Lab members are really looking forward including this colouring book in our upcoming Community Involvement activities! Our outreach is made possible in part by an Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. Check out the news section for our latest activities.
Downey lab York Street School Science Day Annual Event!
2019
We had such a great time at our 2nd Annual Downey Lab Science Day at York Street Public School! A big thanks to the students, teachers, and all the members of the Downey Lab!
2018
The Downey lab had an amazing time at York Street Public School! The students did a great job helping us with our experiments. We build DNA models and extracted DNA from strawberries. We can't wait to visit again :)
The Downey lab had an amazing time at York Street Public School! The students did a great job helping us with our experiments. We build DNA models and extracted DNA from strawberries. We can't wait to visit again :)
2020 Walk for muscular dystrophy
Every year, members of the Downey lab are proud to participate in the Ottawa Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.
The dates for the 2020 Walk for Muscular Dystrophy have been postponed. The Downey Lab is looking forward to participating in the 2020 Walk for Muscular Dystrophy when the new Ottawa date is announced!