Decoding Lupus: using liquid biopsies to understand autoimmunity

Project Code

MRCIIAR26Ex Cano-Gamez

Project Type

Mixed (50% wet lab, 50% dry lab)

Research Theme

Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair

Project Summary Download

Summary

Lupus is a serious autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. An important feature of lupus is the buildup of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) —fragments of dying cells that are not properly disposed of and accumulate in the bloodstream. This project will use liquid biopsies and next generation sequencing to analyse cfDNA from lupus patients. By studying cfDNA fragmentation, sequence, and molecular characteristics, we aim to train machine learning models to predict disease risk and severity. This project blends genomics and data science to offer new insights and improve how we understand and monitor this disease.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Kiki Cano-Gamez

Lead Supervisor Email

k.e.cano-gamez@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter