Treating Cancer at its Source
Dr Grace Lim, Senior Scientist at A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR IMCB), is a recipient of the 2024 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science. This annual award recognises eminent female scientists who have made significant contributions to science internationally.
From a rookie investigator to a pioneer in metastatic cancer research, Dr Lim's career journey highlights the opportunities awaiting passionate young scientists eager to explore new frontiers in research.
Driven by her love for developmental biology, Dr Lim set out to unravel the complex mechanisms of aggressive cancer stem cells—discovering new treatments that could change the lives of cancer patients.
What sparked your interest in medical research?
It all began with a tiny microscopic worm - Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) - which I encountered in a developmental biology lab during my undergraduate studies at Duke University. I was captivated by how life begins from a single cell, which can evolve and form highly complex but coordinated tissues and organs during development.
Developmental biology became the springboard for my research endeavours - from embryology in my PhD to cancer biology in my post-doctoral. Like developing tissues, cancers rely on the same signalling pathways, but are wired differently to drive hyperproliferative, aggressive growths. What intrigued me was the cell-cell communication within these cancers and how they co-exist with surrounding healthy tissue, sparking my drive to explore new medical breakthroughs.
Why did you focus on cancer stem cells, particularly gastric cancers?
Gastric cancer is especially prevalent in Asia, where patients tend to get diagnosed at later stages and have a low five-year survival rate. While early-stage tumours can be surgically removed and treated with a combination of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, recurrence remains common.
We believe therapy-resistant cancer stem cells fuel tumour regrowth and drive disease progression. Our research identifies novel markers of gastric cancer stem cells and proves their stem cell potential through robust assays and analysis. By targeting their key properties, we aim to develop more effective treatment strategies for patients.
How do you think the landscape is evolving for women in STEM?
It is inspiring to see more female researchers and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) leadership positions today, excelling and thriving within the scientific ecosystem. Through such female representation, we can inspire the next generation of scientists.
Awards such as the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship help to provide a valuable platform for female scientists to share our research and experiences, which I hope will resonate with fellow scientists and especially younger colleagues at earlier stages of their scientific career.
What advice do you have for young researchers?
I encourage young researchers to explore different paths early in their careers. Even today, I find myself drawing on my past experiences across a wide range of research topics and methodologies. This has helped me to bring fresh perspectives to my current work and craft exciting, new research directions!
That said, research is a long journey, and burnout is real. A strong support network is crucial - I'm grateful for my friends and family who have cheered me on every step of the way.
