The primary objectives of the scientific research project for PhD studies in molecular biology will focus on genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic studies of tumour cells and tissues. Such novel technologies as quantitative real-time PCR, microarrays and next generation sequencing will be used in the studies, involving the equipment available at MUB laboratories and bioinformatics support. These include comparative genomic hybridization, whole genome and targeted sequencing, mRNA and small RNA profiling by microarray analysis and next generation sequencing, epigenomic analysis by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Using these novel techniques, we are going to detect disturbances in the structure and functions of genomes, responsible for neoplastic transformation, invasion properties of tumor cells, and their ability to form metastases. We are also planning to carry out studies of possible impacts of different environmental factors (like viral, bacterial and fungal infections, diet, cigarette smoking) on cancer development and progression at molecular level.
MUB Expert: professor Jacek Nikliński
Heidelberg University Experts: prof. dr. med. Heike Allgayer, MD-PhD; Jochen Sven Utikal, PhD