Summer Research Scholarships at at University of Queensland

The UQ Diamantina Institute will be hosting Summer Research projects from 7 January – 15 February 2013.

 

EGFR trafficking dysregulation in human tumours
Dr Fiona Simpson (f.simpson@uq.edu.au)

We are using biochemistry, cell biology and fluorescence imaging techniques to investigate the dysregulation of EGFR trafficking in patient squamous cell carcinoma tumors and how this correlates to their treatment with anti-EGFR inhibitors.

Genetic control of regulatory T cell function in type 1 diabetes
Dr Emma Hamilton-Williams (e.hamiltonwilliams@uq.edu.au)

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the suppressors of the immune system, capable of shutting down pathogenic autoreactive T cell responses. This project will use cell-based assays and multi-colour flow cytometry to analyse how Treg function is altered by the type 1 diabetes susceptibility genes interleukin-2 and CTLA-4.

Understanding genetic variation in gene expression and gene methylation
Prof Peter Visscher (peter.visscher@uq.edu.au)

A numerate student with some analysis and/or computer programming skills is invited to join the complex trait genomics group to investigate how genetic differences between people influence gene expression and gene methylation collected from blood samples. This is a dry-lab computer based project that will suit a student wishing to advance their knowledge of genomics using exciting data.

Exploring the interaction between vaccine-induced T-cells and tumour-antigen-bearing skin cells
Dr James Wells (j.wells3@uq.edu.au)

Most cancer patients show evidence of cancer-specific immune activation, however for reasons that we don’t yet fully understand these immune responses don’t actually go on to attack the tumour once generated.  This project will use immunological techniques such as flow cytometry to identify how cells present in the tumour site might impact on normal immune cell function.

For further information regarding the projects, please contact the project supervisors listed above.

All applications for the UQDI Summer Research Scholarships should be sent to di.pgao@uq.edu.au.

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