Research
Liquid Biopsies
Research based on circulating tumour cells and circulating tumour- and free- DNA (ctDNA, cfDNA) has generated much interest, opening the potential of liquid biopsies, as an -non-invasive- alternative to conventional tissue biopsies; thus allowing a better routine patient monitoring, and robust genetic characterisation of the cancer. The concept of tumour and cancer profiling from liquid biopsies is an exciting field, opening the potential to solve many issues currently surrounding cancer diagnosis/prognosis and treatment. At CBCEL we have teamed up with numerous hospitals nationally and internationally, to study the clinical benefits of liquid biopsies.
Cancer-associated circulating cells
Cancer-associated circulating cells (CCs) are cells that shed from the primary tumour and are found in peripheral blood with all major carcinomas. CCs hold a tremendous potential for providing new biological insights and have a clinical utility as a prognostic, diagnostic and predictive biomarkers. At CBCEL we are using high-definition imaging flow-cytometry and size exclusion approaches to characterise and enumerate CCs from various cancers, including ovarian, lung, rectal, prostate and anal.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are mostly man-made chemicals that are found in various materials such as pesticides, plastics, industrial chemicals, and personal care products. EDCs have been associated with obesity, diabetes, breast cancer, and altered reproductive function in males and females. At CBCEL we are studying the effects of EDCs in human reproductive tissues.
COVID-19 Research
During the pandemic our laboratory has contributed towards the body of research surrounding cell entry mediators of SARS-COV-2. We have provided a deeper insight into the expression of TMPRSS2, TMPRSS4, NRP1, and olfactory receptors in a wide repertoire of human tissues in health and disease. We have also highlighted a potential link between infectability and EDCs.