Paola A Marignani

Paola A. Marignani is a scientist and Full Professor at Dalhousie University in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is best known for her research on the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1, and its role in regulating the chromatin remodeling protein SMARCA4 and modeling metabolic processes in breast and lung cancers.

Biography Marignani completed her Hon BSc in Biology from the University of Windsor, followed by an MSc in Neurobiology from the University of Western Ontario. and scientific director of the QEII Lung Tumour Bank.

Scientific career Marignani is known for research in tumor-suppressing proteins, notably LKB1. In 2001, Marignani discovered the first binding partner of LKB1, specifically SMARCA4, a chromatin remodeling protein. Her further research led to the discovery that LKB1 expression in HER2+ breast cancer is reduced or lost. The resulting mice developed mammary tumors quicker than control mice, and the tumors were hyperactive for mTOR and cancer metabolism. to interrogate disease processes and discover targeted therapies in the framework of precision medicine.

Marignani also researches disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes within a Black Canadian community in South Shelburne, Nova Scotia. This initiative is part of a broader project funded by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, and seeks to shed light on historical and ongoing systemic issues related to healthcare access and quality.

In addition to funding from Breast Cancer Canada for her research in identifying unique markers associated with HER2+ breast cancer recurrence, Marignani has also been funded by NSERC, She has also been awarded for Excellence in Cancer Research by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Marignani's earlier research focused on understanding the molecular changes to signaling molecules resulting from polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation into lipid membranes. She discovered that the integration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into lipid membranes altered diacylglycerol profiles in murine macrophages, which could lead to downstream changes in signaling events.

Awards

2026 Excellence in Basic Science Research, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Alumni of Distinction Award 2025 Discovery Awards Science Champion

Selected publications