Malaysian scientist wins RM1.1mil cancer reseach grant

Dr Lee working on a medical breakthrough

By Hooi You Ching

Canada-based biochemistry professor Dr Lee Chow Hwee studies cell behaviour in the hope of finding a cure for cancer one day.

His scientific quest got a boost in early July 2002, after he received a C$450,000 (RM1.1mil) six-year research grant following his appointment as a National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) research scientist.

The Johor Baru-born Lee is one of only six researchers in Canada to receive the appointment this year.

Dr Lee Chow Hwee: A personal pursuit to seek a cure for cancer.

The NCIC collaborates with both the Canadian Cancer Society and the Terry Fox Foundation to provide support for cancer research and related programmes undertaken at Canadian universities, hospitals and other research institutions.

Lee, with his team of seven research assistants, is currently exploring ways to unlock the “medical manuscripts” contained in bio-molecules called messenger RNA (mRNA).

mRNA is used to relay information between the body’s DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and proteins. DNA molecules hold the genetic information of cells.

Their research currently centres on two mRNAs implicated in cancer development. One makes cancer cells resistant to drugs and the other is responsible for the rapid growth of cancer cells.

Lee’s research interest stemmed from six years of post-doctoral training with eminent scientists at Ontario Cancer Institute, BC Cancer Agency and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His research is currently funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Dr Lee (with tie) seen here with his team of researchers at UNBC.

“Our research focuses on the control of gene expression in tumour cells.

“Understanding reagents such as enzymes and proteins, and the knowledge generated along the way, will be useful in designing new drugs and strategies against cancer,” said Lee who is attached to University of Northern British Columbia, Canada.

Lee, who left home at 18, became involved in cancer research in 1986 as a third year student at University of New South Wales, Australia.

Later, it became a personal pursuit after he lost a niece and several family friends to cancer.

“The award is very important as it will free up my heavy teaching load,” he told The Star.

To find out more about Dr Lee, click here to visit his website.