Functional characterization of candidate genes involved in the progression of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer globally. It has defined premalignant stages and progresses through Intestinal Metaplasia (IM) in the majority of cases. GC is diagnosed at advanced stage resulting in poor prognosis. Part of this is due to a lack of means to identify and screen persons at risk of GC. Relatively little is known about the key genetic events leading to IM. Our laboratory is currently in the process of completing the first comprehensive molecular and immunological analysis of IM in the world and we have identified a number of candidate genes which are likely to be involved in the progression of IM to GC. These could potentially be used to reliably predict the progression to GC in humans enabling clinical stratification of individuals into high-risk groups. We have access to a unique cohort of patient specimens with comprehensive clinical data. In addition we have developed novel animal model systems and in vitro tools which we use to answer our research questions. This project would involve interrogation of clinical data and functional validation of these candidates using cell culture, organoid and potentially animal model systems. We are looking for motivated students (Honours, Masters and PhD students) to strengthen our group. The project will use broad range techniques including bioinformatics, cell culture, animal models and molecular biology. Relevant publications: 1. Boussioutas, A. et al (2003) Distinctive patterns of gene expression in premalignant gastric mucosa and gastric cancer. Cancer Res. 2003 May 15;63(10):2569-77. 2. Busuttil RA et al. (2018) An orthotopic mouse model of gastric cancer invasion and metastasis. Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 16;8(1):825. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-19025-y.