Developing and implementing novel microfluidic scanning probes for spatial profiling of heterogenous tumor samples via a multi-omics approach

The aim of the project is to develop microfluidic technologies to analyse heterogenous tumor tissues/cells via a multi-modal approach using spatial genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data. The resulting data obtained could be used for prognostics, diagnostics and prediction of therapies. Microfluidic scanning probes (MFP) technology, invented by the Kaigala team while at IBM Research in Zurich, that implement assays in a localised and rapid manner, is able to efficiently subtype tumor sections and is a lucrative alternative to traditional methods. We will build on TRACERx Renal study and try to improve spatio-temporal resolution in renal cell carcinoma sections by spatially profiling clonal populations within the sample using clinically annotated mutation and expression profiles. Gene-transcript data will be preprocessed using independent component analysis (ICA) strategies and its interactions will then be integrated through multiomic bioinformatic strategies. The overall objective is to specifically locate clones along with their evolutionary pathway and determine their correlation with morphological features, thus helping to bridge the gap between tumor profile and therapy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Govind Kaigala

Student:

Partner:

Goethe University Frankfurt

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Nanotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: