Precision Medicine DTP - An Integrated Platform for Exploring the Role of Genomic Complexity in Colorectal Cancer

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the developed world, accounting for more than 15,000 deaths annually in the UK and nearly 500,000 worldwide. A disproportionate number of these deaths are due to KRAS-mutant CRC, which represents ~40% of CRC cases and is resistant to most second line therapies. Currently, patients have few downstream therapeutic options. Students will work with the Tomlinson and Cagan laboratories on a unique project that combines Drosophila and human genetics with sophisticated computation-based network analysis. Working with ‘personalized fly avatars’ that model up to 16 genes found in the tumours of individual CRC patients, the student will work with a team of genomicists and computational biologists to study and model how different palettes of mutations impact tumour progression and, ultimately, therapeutics. This will include high level genetics and genomics training along with imaging of flies and human cancer organoids. Broadening the training, the student will analyze this data using a broad array of computational approaches, exploring a key challenge in cancer biology.

This MRC programme is joint between the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. You will be registered at the host institution of the primary supervisor detailed in your project selection.

All applications should be made via the University of Edinburgh, irrespective of project location. For those applying to a University of Glasgow project, your application along with any supporting documents will be shared with University of Glasgow.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=919

Please note, you must apply to one of the projects and you must contact the primary supervisor prior to making your application. Additional information on the application process is available from the link above.

For more information about Precision Medicine visit:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/precision-medicine