PhD Opportunities
High resolution epigenomic profiling of laterally spreading tumours (LST) of the colorectum
Most colorectal carcinomas arise from polyps but it is clear that only about 5% of polyps actually progress to cancer. Colonic polyps are a heterogenous group of tumours and their molecular characterisation may allow prediction of future cancer risk in individuals with colonic polyps. Very recently it has been recognised that some colonic polyps extend laterally along the wall of the colon rather than grow vertically through it. Very little is known about the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with these laterally spreading tumours (LST). In collaboration with a team of gastroenterologists at Westmead hospital we have the opportunity to investigate this important colon tumour type about which very little is known.
Research within the Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, aims to comprehensively characterise the molecular changes involved in the formation of LST. The Ph.D project on offer will specifically involve determining the epigenomic profile of this tumour type and validation of epigenetic changes in an extensive cohort of LST. This will be done using state-of-the-art next generation sequencing technology to provide a high-resolution map of the epigenome. Epigenomic profiling of LST will pave the way for identifying important genes for further analysis at the functional level to ascertain their role in carcinogenesis. It will also allow identification of molecular markers predictive of cancer risk, prognosis and therapeutic efficacy.
Our laboratory is at the forefront of epigenetic research with extensive expertise in the epigenetic analysis of colorectal cancer and in the characterisation of gene function. This project represents an exciting opportunity to substantially increase our understanding of this type of cancer and to provide the Ph.D candidate with the breadth of knowledge and technical ability necessary for a successful future in medical research.