Details
- Close date
- Friday, 19 February 2021
- Academic background
- Sciences, Health Sciences
- Host campus
- Christchurch
- Qualification
- Honours
- Department
- Pathology and Biomedical Science (Christchurch)
- Supervisors
- Dr Vanessa Lattimore, Associate Professor Logan Walker
Overview
Prevention is the ideal strategy for reducing the impact of breast and ovarian cancer. Prophylactic surgery is an effective option for minimising risk in individuals who are genetically predisposed to these diseases, however, it has considerable impacts that reduce quality of life of the patient. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy has been successful in reversing the symptoms of degenerative disorders by altering gene splicing. This study investigates whether can eliminate the impact of high-risk genetic variants by modifying splicing using antisense oligonucleotides. This project will lay the foundation for the development of novel risk-reducing therapies to prevent cancer in genetically predisposed individuals. The research project involves several molecular techniques including RT-PCR, qPCR and cell culture.
Preferred student expertise
Science student with an interest in molecular biology and genetics and who has laboratory experience.
Further information
This is one of a number of projects on offer for the 2021 intake of BBiomedSc(Hons) at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.
Dr Vanessa Lattimore's profile
Associate Professor Logan Walker's profile
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group website
Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science website
Useful information
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