Investigating lipid droplets as a therapeutic target in medulloblastoma

Research experience gained: Assessed feasibility of targeting tumour glycolysis (Hexokinase-2, HK2) and glutamine metabolism as novel therapeutic strategies for treating glioblastoma. Investigated the effect of HK2 expression inhibition (siRNA, CRISPR) upon the transcriptome (RNAseq) and metabolic behaviour (seahorse, extracellular flux) of several glioblastoma cell lines and short-term patient derived primary cell cultures. Examined the cytotoxic effect of multiple HK2 pharmacological inhibitors vs glioblastoma cultures (2D MTT, 3D Spheroid reformation). Measured expression of multiple genes implicated in glutamine transport and metabolism in a wide cohort of glioblastoma patient derived biopsy tumour tissue and daughter cell cultures (RT-qPCR).Communication, teamwork, and independent working: by presenting talks describing this work at several internal and external conferences, winning the best presentation prize at the Brain Tumour Northwest annual retreat 2022. Contributing to colleague projects in other biological disciplines and supervising six-month exchange student projects has enabled me to further demonstrate dependable teamworking and leadership skills. I have additionally showcased the ability to work independently throughout my PhD, as evidenced by my ability to design experiments to test my own research hypotheses (i.e. use of specific HK2 inhibitors and seahorse extracellular flux analyses).

Research Experience gained: MSc (Res) Translational Oncology literature review: ‘Oncolytic Virotherapy: A revolutionary approach for the treatment of Head and Neck cancer?’ (Completed in March 2019 with a grade of 74.75%.)MSc (Res) Translational Oncology six-month laboratory research project: Lab of Dr Shelly Lawson (Sheffield Myeloma Research Team): ‘The efficacy of novel bone-targeted niclosamide vectors to treat multiple myeloma.’ Investigated the anti-myeloma effects and translational potential of four niclosamide bone-targeted bisphosphonate vectors (ATA-N1, ATA-N2, ATA-N3, ATA-N4) in a preclinical model of multiple myeloma. Featured Research Skills (for full list see attached CV):Laboratory techniques: Proficiency in tumour and bone imaging (bioluminescence and micro-CT), immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry, sandwich ELISAs, cell culture. During completion of my research projects, I have also displayed autonomy in working without supervision whilst adapting my own protocols and approaches in response to various challenges.Communication: Successfully presented talks describing my own work confidently to both small and large groups, adapting my style and content to the level of knowledge and understanding of others where necessary. I also consistently presented various different type of assignments/coursework (e.g. lab reports, lab handbooks, essays, blog posts, dissertation) to a high standard and on time, demonstrating my ability as an accomplished communicator, scientific writer and efficient time manager.Animal Research: Completed course modules PIL A, B and C (rodents), displayed proficiency in animal handling, assessment of pain/distress and knowledge of animal research ethics, general anaesthesia and procedures. Completion of this Home office license course enables me to apply for a personal license in the future.

Research Experience3rd year research project: ‘Controlling Exocytosis with Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs)’ (Attained grade of 64%.). Investigated the hypothesis that the exclusive activation of Gq Coupled DREADDs could remotely control exocytosis by optimizing a fluorescent plate reader-based assay to both quantify and compare the effects of endogenous and DREADD receptor activation on intracellular Ca2+ release.

Attained a summer placement opportunity working in a local hospital during 2017, performing a variety of medical laboratory assistant and biomedical scientist roles in the pathology department (microbiology, histology.)