Robert Screaton

Robert Screaton received his undergraduate and graduate training at McGill University in Montreal, Canada (1998), and pursued post-doctoral studies at the Burnham Institute (1999-2002) and the Salk Institute (2002-2005) in San Diego, California. From 2005-2015, Dr. Screaton was a Senior Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, where he held the Canada Research Chair In Apoptotic Signaling, Tier II.

Our research focuses on finding cures for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. From a biological perspective, we are interested in understanding how human cells respond to extracellular cues to maintain and ensure their function and survival. A central focus is to better understand how the pancreatic beta cell converts feeding cues into signals leading to insulin synthesis and secretion.

Cell-Based Screening

We use high-throughput functional genomic imaging screens to identify novel players involved in cell signaling pathways that control human pancreatic beta cell proliferation. In addition, we are interested in the function and quality control of mitochondria, critical subcellular organelles essential for cell function and survival. In addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, our work impacts upon cancer and neurodegeneration.

Islet Biology

Regeneration. Current work in the lab is directed to understanding why insulin-producing cells lose the ability to replicate in humans after about 1 year of age. We focus on the role of G-protein coupled receptors in establishing a permanent quiescent state, and study how they signal using functional genomics, cell biology, and knockout models. The goal of this work is to regenerate beta cells to treat diabetes.

Mitochondrial Biology

We study mitochondrial function in insulin-producing cells, with a focus on ROMO1, a mitochondrial protein required for mitochondrial fusion. Mice show a sex-dependent requirement for ROMO1 in insulin-producing cells to prevent diabetes that may lead to novel treatment strategies for Type 2 Diabetes.

Kinomics

Protein phosphorylation regulates virtually all cellular events. Protein kinases and their target proteins control central cell behaviours as proliferation, cell growth, differentiation, innate immunity, cell survival and death, and are of central importance both to basic research and to disease treatment. Identifying kinase substrate pairs, critical nodes in signal transduction pathways, represents a major challenge for understanding how information transfer takes place within a cell. We have developed a kinase screening platform to permit identification of kinase substrate pairs, and used this to elucidate novel pathways involved in glucose sensing. We have also applied the approach to a wide range of biological processes, including mitochondrial dynamics, phagocytosis axon guidance, and stem cell determination. 

Appointments, Cross Affiliations, Memberships

Professor, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto
Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Diabetes Canada
Chair, Mentoring Committee, MyROaD Health Research and Training Platform
Strategic Planning Committee, Canadian Islet Research and Training Network

Courses Taught

BCH 2139 Islet Biology and Diabetes I: From Gene to Cell to Organ to Disease
BCH 2140 Islet Biology and Diabetes II: Beyond Glucose Control: Molecular Targets, Diagnostics and Cutting-Edge Technologies
BCH 2122H The Use of High Content Screening in Biomolecular Medicine

Awards and Distinctions

2024 – Mentor of the Year, McMaster University Co-op Program
2006-2015 – Canada Research Chair in Apoptotic Signaling, Tier II
2014 – Young Scientist of the Year, Diabetes Canada/CIHR INMD
2009 – Young Professor Award, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
2009 – Outstanding New Investigator, CHEO Research Institute