Under pressure: Investigating the role of tissue density and mechanics in breast cancer development

Project Code

MRCPHS25Br Lloyd-Lewis

Research Theme

Cross-Cutting
Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair
Neuroscience and Mental Health
Population Health Sciences

Project Summary Download

Summary

A high breast mammographic density is a major risk factor for breast cancer, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this interdisciplinary project, the student will combine advanced methods in genetic epidemiology with lab-based cell biology techniques (e.g. confocal imaging, flow cytometry, ‘omics) in patient-derived breast organoids and in vivo models to investigate how increased tissue density and stiffness predisposes the breast to tumourigenesis.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Bethan Lloyd-Lewis

Lead Supervisor Email

bethan.lloyd-lewis@bristol.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bristol