Epigenetic contributions of the microbiome to CRC

Overview

Recent research has demonstrated that the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Tumours arising from the different pathways have different prognoses and response to treatment. One such pathway is hypermethylation of promoters leading to tumour suppressor gene loss. The microbiome has been shown to affect epigenetic mechanisms but understanding their contributions is far from complete.

This project will investigate if microbial species associate with differential methylation profiles. DNA will be extracted from CRC surgical resections and methylation profiles determined via reduced-representation methylation sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Methylation profiles will be correlated with microbial species abundance to determine associations between methylation and the microbiome.

Preferred student expertise

Enthusiastic students with a molecular biology and/or bioinformatics background and an interest in cancer, will be considered.

Bioinformatics experience will be an advantage, however, training will be provided. This project relies heavily on bioinformatics, and an interest in the field is a must.

This is one of a number of projects on offer for BBiomedSc(Hons) at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.

Additional information

• UOC BBiomedSc(Hons)
• Dr Rachel Purcell’s profile page
• Department of Surgery and Critical Care
• Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
• Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago