Benjamin Brakel Email & Phone Number

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Co-Second Author, Nature Medicine: Through integrative genomic analyses and genome-wide genetic perturbation screens, we identified a PTP4A2-ROBO1 axonal guidance signaling axis as a modulator of glioblastoma stem cell migration and tumorgenicity. Targeting this dependency using ROBO1 CAR T cells doubled median survival in patient-derived xenograft models of GBM, and irradicated 50-100% of tumours in brain metastasis and medulloblastoma xenografted mice.First Author, In Progress: Through integrating genome-wide genetic perturbation and chemoradiotherapy-sensitizing screens, we identified FEN1 as a functional driver of both glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and temozolomide resistance. Genetic knockdown of FEN1 significantly increased survival of patient-derived xenograft models of GBM, and FEN1 inhibition has shown marked synergy with temozolomide. Subsequent bulk and single cell RNA sequencing analyses have connected FEN1 dependency to cell stemness. These findings helped support a >$1M CIHR Project Grant for the development of FEN1 inhibitors.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

First Author, In Progress: Through conducting a large longitudinal cohort study, we have shown that the addition of barrel stave osteotomy to endoscopic suturectomy for craniosynostosis improves long-term cephalometric outcomes while having no significant effect on operative burden.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

First Author, In Progress: Conducting large-scale international survey on practice patterns and perspectives on endovascular therapy for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis. With 861 respondents across 61 countries, we have developed a comprehensive characterization of indications, techniques, and long-term management for endovascular treatment of CVT, with geographic resolution uncovering significant heterogeneity in practices across the world.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

First Author, Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B, Skull Base: Proof of concept of a novel technique using jugular bulb pressure to optimize head positioning prior to vestibular schwannoma resection, demonstrating reduced intracranial pressure during surgery.First Author, In Progress: Conducting longitudinal survey of return to work function in patients following craniotomy for various neurosurgical conditions.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

First Author, Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis: Identified MRI T2 mapping as a promising tool for detecting early biochemical cartilage damage in pediatric hemophilic arthropathy, before it's visible with standard radiographic methods. Validated as an early diagnostic tool before irreversible damage occurs.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Biocomputational design of small molecule therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 preceding the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of these compounds in experimental assays. Developed compounds with high binding affinity, synthetic tractability, and drug-like properties.

Doctor Of Medicine - Md, Medicine

Bachelor Of Health Sciences (Bhsc), Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization