Cells that divide faster are more susceptible to cancer: Study

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May 14, 2025 // Subscribe to The Bulletin Brief // View this email in your browser

Cell cycle length could be a key mechanism of cancer resistance, according to a study led by researchers Rod Bremner (left) and Danian Chen of Sinai Health and U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine (photo by Colin Dewar/Sinai Health)

Cells that divide faster are more susceptible to cancer: Study

The ability of a mutation to cause cancer depends on how fast it forces cells to divide, according to a new study led by researchers at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Specifically, cell cycle length – the time it takes a cell to divide into two daughter cells – was identified as critical factor in determining whether a mutation drives cancer or is harmless.

U of T celebrates

(L-R) Liisa Galea, Wendy Wolfman and Michelle Acorn (supplied images)

3 faculty among U of T community members to receive Top 25 Women of Influence+ Canada Awards
The annual awards are presented by Women of Influence+, a global organization committed to advancing women’s leadership and workplace equity, to recognize women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
Sarah Hazell, Alicia Hawkins and partners from Sagamok Anishnawbek, Ojibwe Cultural Foundation receive Ontario Heritage Award
The awards recognize individuals, groups and communities for exceptional contributions to heritage conservation.

Foti Vito recognized by American Society of International Law
The Arthur C. Helton Fellowship Program recognizes the legacy of the late Arthur Helton, a prominent refugee and human rights scholar and advocate.

Updates from U of T

Reminder to provide feedback on the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
The online anonymous survey for the review remains open until May 16.
University closure – May 16 and 19
The university will be closed for a Presidential Day on May 16 and Victoria Day on May 19. The full university holiday schedule can be found on the Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s website.

Don't miss it!

May 29

Demystifying and dispelling myths about gender-affirming care and supports (Sexual & Gender Diversity Office and Office of Inclusion & Diversity, Temerty Faculty of Medicine)

Did you know?

There's a new Academic Advising & Career Centre photobooth on the 5th floor of the Sam Ibrahim Building at U of T Scarborough. It's available to all UTSC staff, faculty, librarians, alumni, and students, and it's a great way to get a professional-looking portrait—free of charge.

You can take up to three photos, which will be emailed to you for easy download and optional touch-ups. The booth is open 24/7, so you can drop by whenever it’s convenient.

If you have any questions, comments or thoughts you'd like to share, you can reach us at bulletin.brief@utoronto.ca.

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