Genetic alterations in the KRAS gene are frequently found in ~30% of lung adenocarcinomas, the most diagnosed type of lung cancer. However, this group of cancers are heterogeneous, with genetic alternations in tumour suppressor genes influencing the tumours characteristics and behaviour. Interestingly, loss of tumour suppressor gene KEAP1 makes the tumours non-responsive to immunotherapy and KRAS inhibitors. Therefore, new treatment combinations for these genetic subtypes are needed.
We have generated several models to study the effect of the lung cancer genetic subtype on tumour biology and response to therapies (Best, Nature Communications 2019). The student will learn a variety of techniques, including in vivo modelling, CRISPR/Cas9 genetic editing, cell culture, in vitro drug assays, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
