Andrew Wicks Email & Phone Number

Ashford, Gb

London, United Kingdom

Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer that has reduced the Tasmanian devil population by 89% since its emergence. Without intervention, the disease will persist and extinction in the wild is likely. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, required for antigen presentation to immune cells, are also able to act as antigens themselves due to allelic differences in MHC from individual to individual. The transmission of DFTD cells between individuals should therefore initiate a host immune response, and so DFTD challenges our understanding of the limits of tumour survival and graft rejection. During my summer internship, under the guidance of Dr Hannah Siddle and a scholarship from The Wellcome Trust, I joined a project aiming to investigate the effect of the cytokine, Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), on the expression of MHC class I in Tasmanian devils. I also assessed whether there is a synergistic effect of TNFα and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) on MHC I expression when used in combination.During my research placement I used a range of techniques, including: Tissue Culture (of DFTD cells and recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary cells), Immunocytochemistry, Microscopy, RNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (using RT-PCR and qPCR in addition to usual PCR method), Gel Electrophoresis (including SDS-PAGE), Flow Cytometry, and Western Blotting.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd

Msc By Research, Genetics

Supervised by Professor Martin Michaelis and Dr Mark Wass, I undertook a project investigating the effects of epigenetic BET inhibitors.

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc Hons), Biology, Upper Second Class Honours (67%)

Activities and Societies: Southampton Marrow (see Volunteering)

Education record

Activities and Societies: During my A-levels I was a form prefect for a year 11 tutor group, as well as subject prefect.