About the project
Join our bioinformatics PhD studentship and explore the complex interplay between Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) and their tumour microenvironment. Develop advanced computational biology and informatics skills and work with cutting-edge single cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies to unravel the intricacies of GIST biology and drive innovation in cancer immunology research.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are sarcomas that present with varying aggressiveness. Most GIST have activating mutations in KIT/PDGFRA, and respond well to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors but a significant portion of patients are wildtype, with limited therapeutic options and poorer outcomes. Additionally, the emergence of resistance to TKIs and high rates of recurrence underscore the urgent need for deeper insights into GIST biology.
Single cell RNA sequencing studies have identified immune cells present within the GIST tumour microenvironment (TME) that vary between KIT/PDGFRA mutant and wild type GIST. However, single cell RNA-sequencing does not capture spatial information, restricting our understanding of TME-tumour cell interactions.
Spatial transcriptomics (SpatialTx) is a cutting-edge approach that enables quantification of the tumour and normal (TME) cell transcriptomes whilst preserving the spatial arrangement of tumour and TME cells. This studentship focuses on analysis of these complex, multi-omic single cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets and is therefore ideal for those with an interest in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer sciences and/or genomics technologies.
The aim of the project is to elucidate the intricate relationships between GIST biology, microenvironmental factors and treatment responses, and holds immense promise for advancing our understanding of the GIST TME.
The studentship is well supported by experts in computer sciences, systems biology, cell biology and oncology and holds immense promise for cancer immunology research.
Our four-year Integrated PhD in Biomedical Science degree offers an opportunity to develop the advanced research and associated quantitative and bioinformatics skills required to become an independent researcher and leads to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). An interim Master of Research (MRes) is awarded to those that successfully complete the first year.
