Our Research Focus
GI Cancer Microbiome
Our research focuses on how microbes, associated with gastrointestinal cancers, drive tumour progression, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. We develop precision approaches, including bacteriophage-based microbiome modulation, to selectively eliminate harmful bacteria, restore treatment sensitivity, and identify novel immune targets. By integrating microbiology, cancer biology, and immunology, we aim to translate microbiome insights into innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Immune Control of Cancer Metastasis
Our research investigates how tumour-educated immune cells, particularly ILC2s, drive the formation of metastatic niches in gastrointestinal cancers. We define the mechanisms of immune cell trafficking, cytokine signalling, and macrophage reprogramming that enable liver metastasis. By targeting these immune pathways, we aim to develop innovative strategies to prevent metastatic spread and establish new, clinically actionable therapies.
Recent Publications
Fast facts
The cancer microbiome refers to microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live within tumours or the body and influence cancer development, progression, immune responses, and treatment outcomes.
ILC2s (group 2 innate lymphoid cells) are immune cells that rapidly respond to tissue damage or inflammation by releasing cytokines. They play key roles in tissue repair and allergic responses, and, importantly, can influence cancer growth and metastasis through immune regulation.
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria. They are highly selective, targeting only certain bacterial species, and are increasingly explored as precision tools for combating harmful bacteria, including those linked to cancer.
Bacteriophage Therapy
Bacteriophage FNU1 negates Fusobacterium nucleatum induced cell growth, migration and chemotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancer cells
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1721411
8 January 2026
Cell Reports
Mutant Tp53 switches therapeutic vulnerability during gastric cancer progression within interleukin-6 family cytokines
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114616
27 August 2024
Nature Communications
A tuft cell - ILC2 signaling circuit provides therapeutic targets to inhibit gastric metaplasia and tumor development
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42215-4
28 October 2023
Our team
- Dr Michael Buchert – Head, Biomarker and Tuft Cell Laboratory
- Ryan O'Keefe – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Kiruthiga Raghunathan – PhD Student
- Birhanu Jemere – PhD Student