Christopher Thome, PhD
Associate Professor, Medical Sciences Division
Lakehead University Campus
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 5E1
Phone: (705) 662-7222
Fax: (705) 675-4858
Email: cthome@nosm.ca
Education and Professional Roles
Associate Professor, Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University
Program Director, Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University
Associate Professor (Cross-Appointed), Department of Biology, Laurentian University
Associate Professor (Cross-Appointed), Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Laurentian University
Adjunct Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, McMaster University
Affiliate Scientist, Health Sciences North Research Institute2015-2018
2015-2018
Postdoctoral Fellowship; Radiation Biology
Department of Biology
Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
2011-2015
PhD.; Medical Physics
Department of Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2010-2011
MSc.; Health and Radiation Physics
Department of Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2006-2010
B.MSc.; Human Physiology Honours; Medical Biophysics Minor
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
Research Interest
My research program explores the biophysical effects of ionizing radiation and their potential impacts on human health. A key aim is to examine the effects of natural background radiation on normal cellular function and genomic stability. These studies are conducted at SNOLAB, a state-of-the-art facility located 2 km underground in an active mine in Sudbury. The rock overburden effectively shields cosmic radiation, making SNOLAB one of the few places in the world where such experiments are possible. We are currently investigating sub-background radiation effects using a variety of model systems, including human cell cultures and yeast. In parallel, we are studying the biological effects of radon gas inhalation, the largest natural source of background ionizing radiation for humans. Using a custom-designed radon chamber, we analyze the physiological and biochemical responses to controlled radon exposures. Finally, my research addresses high-dose radiation–induced damage, such as the normal tissue toxicities that can occur during radiation therapy. We are exploring innovative strategies to prevent radiation-induced injury and enhance tissue recovery, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
I am currently accepting graduate and undergraduate students
Selected Publications
Vigneux G, Laframboise T, Tharmalingam S, Thome C. 2024. Phenotypic and transcriptional changes in lens epithelial cells following acute and fractionated ionizing radiation exposure. Int J Radiat Biol. 100 (4) 573–578.
Pirkkanen J, Laframboise T, Peterson J, Labelle A, Mahoney F, Lapointe M, Mendonca MS, Tai TC, Lees SJ, Tharmalingam S, Boreham DR, Thome C. 2024. The role of natural background radiation in maintaining genomic stability in the CGL1 human hybrid model system. Radiat Res. 202 (4) 617–625.
Emami P, Gaudreau K, Little MP, Lee C, Moroz B, Boreham DR, Thome C. 2024. Assessment of cataract risk after diagnostic head CT scan radiation exposure in Ontario, Canada. Radiat Res. 201 (1) 1–6. Jameus A, Dougherty J, Narendrula R, Levert D, Valiquette M, Pirkkanen J, Lalonde C, Bonin P, Gagnon JD, Appanna VD, Tharmalingm S, Thome C. 2024. Acute impacts of ionizing radiation exposure on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome in mice. Int J Mol Sci. 25 (6) 3339.
Lapointe M, Laframboise T, Couture L, Pirkkanen J, Tai TC, Lees SJ, Tharmalingam S, Boreham DR, Thome C. 2024. Protracted exposure to a sub-background radiation environment negatively impacts the anhydrobiotic recovery of desiccated yeast sentinels. Health Phys. 126 (6) 397–404.
Pirkkanen J, Lalonde C, Lapointe M, Laframboise T, Mendonca MS, Boreham DR, Thome C. 2023. The REPAIR project, a deep-underground radiobiology experiment investigating the biological effects of natural background radiation: the first 6 years. Radiat Res. 199 (3) 290–293.
Vigneux G, Pirkkanen J, Laframboise T, Prescott H, Tharmalingam S, Thome C. 2022. Radiation-induced alterations in adhesion, migration, and proliferation in lens epithelial cells and implications for cataract development. Bioengineering. 9 (1) 29.
Pirkkanen J, Laframboise T, Zarnke A, Liimatainen P, Sonley T, Hood M, Obaid M, Tai TC, Lees SJ, Boreham DR, Thome C. 2021. A novel specialized tissue culture incubator designed and engineered for radiobiology experiments in a sub-natural background radiation environment. J Environ Radioact. 228 106512.