Project No.2207

Primary Supervisor

Dr Leandro Castellano- University of Sussex

Co-Supervisor(s)

Prof Mark Wass – University of Kent

Prof Martin Michaelis – University of Kent

Summary

Carboplatin is a common chemotherapy drug used to treat lung and ovarian cancer.

While it can be effective, many patients eventually face a relapse as their cancer becomes resistant to the treatment. The reasons behind this resistance are not yet fully understood.
Recent studies suggest that tiny molecules called microRNAs, which help regulate gene activity, play a key role in cancer growth and drug resistance. These microRNAs can affect how cancer cells respond to treatment by turning certain genes on or off. However, their exact role in carboplatin resistance is still unclear.

This project aims to investigate how microRNA and mRNA (messenger RNA) networks contribute to carboplatin resistance. By using advanced sequencing technology, it will identify key microRNAs and their target genes that may be involved in resistance. The goal is to pinpoint microRNAs that are commonly altered in resistant cancer cells and study how they function. The project will also explore whether blocking specific microRNAs with specialized molecules can make cancer cells more responsive to carboplatin.
Understanding how resistance develops is crucial for improving cancer treatment. By uncovering these microRNA-mRNA interactions, this research hopes to identify new markers that can predict resistance and lead to better strategies for overcoming it.