This module is designed to provide students with the most up-to-date skills and techniques used in contemporary cancer research. The program is composed of three cancer research themes including: (1) Use and the analysis of big data in cancer research; (2) Anti-cancer therapeutics: from design to production; (3) Molecular and cellular methods in cancer research. Lectures and seminars are integrated with practical sessions linking theoretical knowledge with practical skills thereby enhancing student learning. Students will be assessed by worksheets (writeup in scientific paper format) and an oral presentation.
The module will focus on androgen receptor signalling and therapy resistance in prostate cancer:
Scientific Background to the Module
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death in men. The growth of prostate cancer is dependent upon the Androgen Receptor, a ligand-dependent transcription factor (Figure 1). Therapies for prostate cancer therefore aim to reduce androgen production (LHRH agonists) or action, via inhibition of the androgen receptor (anti-androgens). These therapies are initially successful in the majority of patients, but will invariably fail and the tumours progress to a therapy resistant stage termed castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Much evidence exists to suggest that the androgen receptor continues to drive the growth of CRPC. These mechanisms include mutations of the androgen receptor that reduce ligand specificity, allowing other ligands (e.g. other hormones and anti-androgens) to activate the receptor. This module will explore androgen receptor signaling, and receptor mutations associated with prostate cancer, to demonstrate techniques/technologies used in cancer research.
Learning Outcomes:
1. understand the theory and practice of key techniques used in contemporary cancer research;
2. evaluate methodologies and be able to apply them in the design of experimental procedures in cancer research;
3. work as a team to produce, analyse and present experimental data;
4. understand and analyse data from research papers.
5. Learn how to present research in Scientific Paper Format (SPF)
The module will focus on androgen receptor signalling and therapy resistance in prostate cancer:
Scientific Background to the Module
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death in men. The growth of prostate cancer is dependent upon the Androgen Receptor, a ligand-dependent transcription factor (Figure 1). Therapies for prostate cancer therefore aim to reduce androgen production (LHRH agonists) or action, via inhibition of the androgen receptor (anti-androgens). These therapies are initially successful in the majority of patients, but will invariably fail and the tumours progress to a therapy resistant stage termed castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Much evidence exists to suggest that the androgen receptor continues to drive the growth of CRPC. These mechanisms include mutations of the androgen receptor that reduce ligand specificity, allowing other ligands (e.g. other hormones and anti-androgens) to activate the receptor. This module will explore androgen receptor signaling, and receptor mutations associated with prostate cancer, to demonstrate techniques/technologies used in cancer research.
Learning Outcomes:
1. understand the theory and practice of key techniques used in contemporary cancer research;
2. evaluate methodologies and be able to apply them in the design of experimental procedures in cancer research;
3. work as a team to produce, analyse and present experimental data;
4. understand and analyse data from research papers.
5. Learn how to present research in Scientific Paper Format (SPF)