National Denim Day: Binadi Diddeniya, CURE Foundation Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research Recipient

For the past 28 years, the CURE Foundation has been powering research and the fight against breast cancer. National Denim Day, their annual fundraiser, is held on May 13^th, 2025.

In 2024, more than 30,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada, an all-time high, emphasizing the needs for better prevention and improved treatments. The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) is proud to be supported by the CURE Foundation through their Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research, awarded this year to Binadi Diddeniya, master’s student in Nahum Sonenberg’s laboratory. Read more about her research below and how the CURE Foundation Fellowship contributes to propelling her research.

My research investigates how cancer cells regulate protein synthesis – beyond the DNA level – at the post-translational level through a cap-binding protein called 4EHP. This protein plays a selective role in repressing the translation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which are protein precursors. By dissecting the molecular mechanisms behind this regulation, my work aims to better understand how cancer cells fine-tune their growth and survival via 4EHP. We hope this research paves the way to provide mechanistic insight to build a more complete picture of how tumors develop and maintain their aggressive behavior.

What motivates you to study breast cancer?

I find it interesting how cancer cells are able to bypass the tightly regulated systems in play that normally prevent uncontrolled growth. Uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that drive these changes at the post-transcriptional level is fascinating to study. As we know, breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women, and I’ve always been passionate about contributing to advancing research in that field. By better understanding what makes these cancers behave the way they do, we can contribute to a broader foundation of knowledge that supports future breakthroughs.

How does the CURE Foundation Fellowship contribute to the success of your research?

I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the CURE Foundation Fellowship and be supported by this wonderful organization. The scholarship provides me with financial aid to support me to carry out research in the cancer field and pursue my goals with greater focus. It provides me with essential support to dedicate myself fully to my research, representing a vital stepping stone in my future aspirations.

What are your long-term goals and aspirations?

My goal is to pursue a career as a researcher in the cancer field. It would be a personal milestone if I could contribute to the framework on developing innovative approaches for a breast cancer therapy someday. Being surrounded by talented researchers in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment, the GCI has been instrumental in shaping my future goals and visions.

To support the CURE Foundation and contribute to research like Binadi’s for National Denim Day, donate today.