Mathematical Modelling of Cell-Fate Determination

Mathematical Modelling of Cell-Fate Determination

Advisor/s

A/Prof Ulf Schmitz, Dr Daniel Xing, Prof Andreas Lopata

College or Research Centre

College of Medicine & Dentistry; College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

Join our dynamic research team at JCU and the Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) for an exciting HDR (Higher Degree by Research) project that merges cutting-edge technology with critical clinical applications. Our umbrella project encompasses two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient care. Project 1: Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment with Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited survival rates despite recent advances in treatment. Our research focuses on the novel application of tumour treating fields and the integration of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) to explore the biological effects of combining magnetic fields with ionizing radiation. We aim to uncover how these combined modalities impact tumour and immune cell interactions, ultimately seeking to improve GBM treatment efficacy. Project 2: Developing Blood-Based Surveillance for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents unique challenges in post-treatment surveillance, particularly for patients in remote regions. Our research aims to develop and validate a blood-based circulating HPV-DNA (cHPV-DNA) test using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This innovative approach will enable earlier detection of recurrent disease, reduce patient burden, and improve survival outcomes for HPV-OPSCC patients.

We are seeking motivated and creative HDR candidates to join our research team to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of cellular differentiation through mathematical modelling. Cellular differentiation, the process by which cells acquire specialised functions, is a fundamental biological process that underlies many aspects of development and disease. The project aims to develop deterministic and/or stochastic mathematical models that describe the regulatory mechanisms underlying cell-fate determination, and to use these models to gain insights into how cells make fate decisions in response to various internal and external environments. In addition, the successful candidate will work with data from various sequencing technologies such as bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and long-read sequencing to validate the developed models.

The ideal candidate should have a background in mathematics, computer science, engineering, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field. The project will involve model development, numerical analyses, and data analyses. The candidate will use these models to explore the effects of different genetic and environmental factors on cell-fate decisions, and to identify key regulators of cellular differentiation. The candidate will also be responsible for analysing and interpreting the model results and writing up their findings for publication in high-impact academic journals.

Key Words

brain cancer; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; biomarker; bioinformatics next generation sequencing

Would suit an applicant who

We invite motivated students with a passion for oncology, molecular biology, and innovative technology to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with the potential to significantly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.

has a background in mathematics, computer science, engineering, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field. This project is suitable for doctoral or master students. Some computational skills (MATLAB, Python, R programming) would be very helpful.

Updated: 17 Mar 2023