Wiper-Bergeron LabuOttawa · Faculty of Medicine, home

University of Ottawa · Faculty of Medicine

Advancing discovery.Challenging assumptions.Building more accessible biomedical futures.

The Wiper-Bergeron Lab combines molecular and cellular biology, translational research, graduate education and disability scholarship to understand health across its biological and human dimensions.

Explore our research Join the lab
Illustration of a skeletal muscle cross-section. Satellite cells sit at the edge of fibres, marked by filled arrowheads. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors sit in the spaces between fibres, marked by open arrowheads.
  • Muscle fibre and basal lamina
  • Nuclei
  • Satellite cells (filled arrowheads)
  • FAPs (open arrowheads)
Fig. 1 Illustration of skeletal muscle in cross-section. Satellite cells, the muscle's resident stem cells, sit between a fibre and its basal lamina until injury calls them into action. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) live in the spaces between fibres, where they support regeneration.

One lab, two lenses

From the cell to society

We study how biological systems, in particular skeletal muscle, adapt, regenerate and respond to disease. We also ask how biomedical research is trained, practised and shared, and who it serves.

At the bench

Regenerative biology and muscle stem cells

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern stem cell fate, tissue regeneration, cachexia and muscle health.

  • Cancer cachexia and muscle wasting
  • Stem cells and regenerative medicine
  • Gene regulation and cell fate
  • Single-cell and systems biology

Beyond the bench

Research and society

Advancing socially accountable biomedical research through education, engagement and innovation.

  • Social accountability in biomedical research
  • Graduate education and research training
  • Community engagement, inclusion and research impact

Recent work

Selected publications

A sample of recent papers. The full list is on PubMed.

All selected publications

  1. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals cachectic satellite cell population in muscle of male mice with cancer cachexiaJ Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2026 · doi:10.1002/jcsm.70260
  2. C/EBPβ promotes the expression of atrophy-inducing factors by tumours and is a central regulator of cancer cachexiaJ Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2022 · doi:10.1002/jcsm.12909
  3. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta promotes muscle stem cell quiescence through regulation of quiescence-associated genesStem Cells, 2021 · doi:10.1002/stem.3319

Related initiative

The ACCESS Lab

Founded by Dr. Wiper-Bergeron and Dr. Emilio Alarcón, the ACCESS Lab studies disability, accessibility, belonging and lived experience across biomedical research, health care, education and STEM. It works alongside community partners and people with lived experience.

Visit the ACCESS Lab website

Join us

Curiosity is a must

Graduate and rotation positions are open for Winter 2027. Experience or coursework in cell and molecular biology is an asset.

See open positions

Discovery
Fundamental questions in health, disease and regeneration.
Mentorship
Supporting the next generation of researchers and leaders.
Inclusion
A lab where every member can contribute, learn and thrive.