Supervisor: Dr Andrew Guirguis

Laboratory: Blood Cancer Drivers & Therapeutics Laboratory

The progression from pre-leukaemic syndromes to secondary leukaemia is associated with poor clinical outcomes and limited therapeutic options. This project aims to identify both intrinsic (tumour cell-intrinsic) and extrinsic (microenvironmental) drivers of disease transformation. We will develop and interrogate preclinical models—including patient-derived xenografts—using advanced barcoding and CRISPR-based techniques. In parallel, transcriptomic profiling of patient-derived samples will be employed to uncover microenvironmental factors that facilitate disease progression. Candidate drivers will be functionally validated, with the ultimate goal of translating these insights into novel therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancers.