Dr. David I. Rodenhiser, PhD
Children’s Health Research Institute
Scientist, Molecular Genetics Program
University of Western Ontario
Associate Professor, Departments of Paediatrics, Biochemistry, and Oncology
Other Appointments
Scientist, London Regional Cancer Program
Contact Information
Tel: (519) 685-8600 Ext. 52198
Fax: (519) 685-8616
E-mail: drodenhi@uwo.ca
Web: http://publish.uwo.ca/~drodenhi/index.html
Brief Biography
Dr. Rodenhiser received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Acadia University in 1978 and later a Masters from Acadia in 1980. He then studied in Dr. Burr Atkinson’s laboratory at The University of Western Ontario where he completed his PhD in 1986. He also trained as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Leon Browder’s laboratory at the University of Calgary for two years, where he was an Alberta Heritage Foundation Research Fellow.
Dr. Rodenhiser started his career as a Scientist at the CHRI in 1988 and became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics in 1990. He has been a Scientist at the London Regional Cancer Program and an Associate Professor at Western since 1999. He has served as a reviewer for a number of international research journals and has been a member of both national and international grant review boards. He publishes in the areas of molecular genetics, developmental biology, environmental science and cancer research. His 4th year course (Molecular Genetics of Human Cancer) has received high course evaluations in the Department of Biochemistry since its inception. In 2004, Dr. Rodenhiser became a tenured faculty member of the Departments of Paediatrics and Biochemistry, and joined CHRI as a scientist.
Dr. Rodenhiser has also presented research lectures at a variety of scientific meetings and has been a frequent speaker to the general public and patient support groups in the area of paediatric diseases, genetics and breast cancer.
Research Interests
• Environmental exposures, DNA methylation and breast cancer
• E3: Epigenetics, embryogenesis and the environment
• Epigenetic contributions in models of metastasis
Research Activities
Dr. Rodenhiser’s field of research is ‘Epigenetics’. Epigenetic errors in DNA methylation patterns affect embryonic and fetal development and lead to inappropriate gene expression in tissues. His research focuses on (a) methylation profiling of a variety of development and cancer-related genes, (b) defining the functional consequences of DNA methylation changes in cancer metastasis and (c) determining how environmental carcinogens alter epigenetic patterns and contribute to tumour formation as well as compromise embryonic development. His research is at the crossroads of understanding the similarities (and differences) between human development and cancer. Many of the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur in cancer reflect the normal genetic program that is undertaken in development and vice versa.
Awards and Recognition
Funding in support of "Models of metastasis" - Awarded by Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance Idea Award
Funding in support of "London Strategic Training Initiative in Cancer Research and Technology Transfer" - Awarded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Funding in support of "Epigenetic profiles of environmental carcinogens" - Awarded by London Regional Cancer Program
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