From Development to Cancer : How One Protein Controls the Fate of Liver Cells

Katrina Jewell was a finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Katrina presented the research titled “From Development to Cancer: How One Protein Controls the Fate of Liver Cells.” Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide, and the shortage of donor livers limits curative treatments. Scientists are turning to human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to grow liver tissue in the lab, but these lab grown cells remain stuck in an immature, fetal like state. To improve them, we need to understand how liver cells develop. This research focuses on ZNF263, a DNA binding protein that helps switch genes on and off. ZNF263 is known to silence stem cell programs and activate differentiation pathways, and it is also elevated in several cancers, including HCC. Early evidence suggests it plays a key role during liver development, but its function remains unknown. By studying how ZNF263 shapes DNA organization and gene expression, my work aims to uncover how this protein guides liver cell fate. Ultimately, this knowledge may help generate mature liver cells for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Katrina Jewell is completing a MASc in Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Hoodless. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.