Dr. Yolanda Colino Sanguino, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Children’s Cancer Institute, has completed her Cure Brain Cancer Foundation–funded 2021 Early Career Fellowship.
Dr. Sanguino’s research focuses on Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) — previously known as DIPG — one of the most aggressive and challenging childhood brain cancers.
Key Research Findings
Over the course of her fellowship, Dr Sanguino studied the DNA of DMG tumour cells to identify the genetic changes that drive tumour growth.
Her findings will help shape the scientific community’s understanding of how DMG persists, paving the way for further study and eventually, a cure. Her research has:
- Discovered that tumour cells rely on an ‘open’ DNA control system to grow and spread, in contrast to the highly regulated DNA system in healthy cells.
- Tested strategies to push tumour cells toward a more restricted, stable DNA state. In laboratory studies, this approach slowed tumour growth, making it harder for tumour cells to survive and multiply.
- Tested a combination treatment approach in 3D tumour models grown from mouse brain tissue, with results showing a strong anti-tumour effect (any effect that helps stop cancer from growing or spreading).
- Developed one of the most detailed maps to exist of how this tumour controls gene activity, reframing how the disease may be targeted in future studies.
Collectively, this work strengthens scientific understanding of DMG biology and provides a clearer framework for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies.
Supporting Early-Career Researchers
Early Career Fellowships are designed to back bold ideas at a pivotal moment in a researcher’s career — and to accelerate progress in high-need areas of brain cancer research.
“Cure Brain Cancer Foundation funding has provided crucial stability at an early career stage, allowing me to focus on an ambitious, long-term project in a high-need area of brain cancer research.
With this support, I have generated a substantial body of high-quality datasets and analyses that are advancing our understanding of how these tumours regulate gene activity. The fellowship has also supported my professional development and visibility within the field.
I have been able to attend and present at an overseas international conference, which allowed me to share our findings with the broader scientific community, receive expert feedback, and build collaborations that will accelerate future work.”
Dr. Yolanda Colino Sanguino
Children's Cancer Institute
Progress against aggressive childhood brain cancers requires sustained investment, deep scientific rigour and the courage to pursue complex questions.
Because of supporters like you, that work is happening.
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