Cancer research: New technologies and billion year old cell signalling mechanisms

The evolution of multicellular organisms like ourselves required the development of very reliably control mechanisms which ensure that cells grow and divide only when instructed and that any cells which begin to grow out of control are identified and stopped. Sporadic cancer development is driven when mutations change these key proteins that regulate cell growth, survival and proliferation. Such mutations are also inherited by some individuals, generally leading to symptoms that include an increased risk of tumours. Much of the research in our laboratory addresses a specific set of proteins which act together as a functional unit termed the PI3K signalling network to coordinate cells responses to their environment, including their growth, survival and proliferation. I’ll be talking about several projects that address the different effects of mutations in PI3K pathway components, including mutations have been identified in sporadic tumours, and those that have been inherited by patients with multiple cancers and also a separable group of patients with autism.

We have also been collaborating with bioengineers to apply two new technologies to cancer research. Firstly, along with Maiwenn Kersaudy Kerhoas and her group, we are developing microfluidic methods to analyse mutant tumour DNA which is in the blood of cancer patients, with a goal of reducing invasive operations to take tissue samples directly from tumours. Secondly, working with Ferry Melchels, Will Shu and their groups, as well as the manufacturing company Renishaw, we are starting to use 3D bioprinting of cells derived from cancer patients co-printed with relevant extracellular matrices to prepare better laboratory models of cancer. This work aims to provide new ways to study tumour biology and to test drugs without the use of animals.