Functional genomic interrogation of trans-eQTL regulatory hubs and the role of functional epistasis in the development of large bowel cancer

This is one of several projects available on an MRC funded 4-year multi-disciplinary PhD programme in Human Genetics, Genomics and Disease at the MRC Human Genetics Unit (HGU), part of the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) at the University of Edinburgh.

Project details

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common fatal cancer. Heritable common genetic variation influencing gene expression in normal large bowel epithelium contributes to CRC risk. We have generated a wealth of human functional and genomic data from blood, epithelium and tumour samples. This exciting project melds functional genomic analysis of trans-eQTL regulatory hubs with statistical genetic approaches to identify epistatic mechanisms influencing cancer risk. The candidate will gain computational and quantitative skills, alongside wet-lab expertise in genome editing to interrogate the functional genomic landscape of CRC risk. The ultimate aim is to prevent cancer by defining and exploiting cancer susceptibility pathways.

For further information on how to apply for this project, please visit: https://www.ed.ac.uk/mrc-human-genetics-unit/graduate-research-and-training/mrc-four-year-phd-programme-human-genetics-genomic