Dr. Bruce Mckay

Biography

Bruce McKay is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University. His research primarily focuses on post-transcriptional and translational regulation of gene expression, exploring the underlying mechanisms that contribute to proper gene regulation, which is essential for life. His interests also extend to studying the implications of abnormal gene expression in various human diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. McKay employs a variety of molecular biology techniques, including cell culture models and functional genomics, to investigate responses to physical and chemical agents that initiate stress responses within cells, particularly through the activation of the p53 protein, a crucial transcription factor. This research aims to decipher the complexities of gene expression and the regulatory mechanisms at play, utilizing tools such as oligonucleotide microarrays to study genome-wide responses. Additionally, he investigates how the spliceosome, a large RNA-protein complex responsible for pre-mRNA splicing, can be targeted by small molecule inhibitors to better understand the consequences of disrupted mRNA processing on cellular functions. McKay's ongoing research endeavors examine how DNA repair processes interact with transcriptional responses to DNA damage, contributing to our understanding of cell death mechanisms in the face of genotoxic stress.

Research Interests