Project 1

Title: Identifying a biomarker for central nervous system acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Description: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) infiltrates the central nervous system (CNS) in 10% of patients at diagnosis, and 40% of patients at relapse, despite traumatic prophylactic intervention. Once ALL penetrates the CNS, patients have high mortality rates with extremely limited treatment options. This study will be the first comprehensive multi-omic study to investigate the methylome and genomic profile of ALL blasts invading the CNS. One main goal of this project is to identify a biomarker to determine which patients are at risk of developing CNS disease burden, to allow for early treatment escalation and prevent CNS-relapse. We will also identify which patients are not at risk, and therefore, may not require traumatic prophylactic injections of chemotherapy into their spines. 

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1

Max Number of Students: 1

Category: Wet Lab

Special Requirements: Police Clearance

Project 2

Title: Investigating the role of the gut microbiota on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia development and progression

Description: The composition and function of the gut microbiota strongly influences numerous functions of the immune and metabolic systems. In childhood ALL, there is evidence, from a number of small clinical studies, that the microbiome plays a role in treatment efficacy/toxicity. However, to date, no study has directly assessed these relationships. Recent studies have also demonstrated that disruption of the gut microbiota was observed in children with ALL at the time of diagnosis, suggesting the importance of the microbiota in disease pathogenesis. Cause and/or effect are difficult to prove in clinical studies, particularly when chemotherapy and antibiotics, both of which impact the microbiota, are integral to treatment protocols. In this study, we will address these significant questions in patient material and carefully constructed and controlled novel pre-clinical models, which will enable us to directly assess if the microbiota plays a critical role in the response to ALL therapy.

Projects available for: HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 or 2

Max Number of Students: 1

Category: Wet Lab

Special Requirements: Police Clearance

Project 3

Title: Exploring predisposing factors for Down Syndrome acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Description: Patients with Down Syndrome, particularly young children, are unfortunately predisposed to developing haematological malignancies, including ALL. The current treatment for DS-ALL patients is largely limited to chemotherapy, which results in significant toxicity and tolerability issues, leading to an increased risk of relapse and higher rates of treatment related death. Survival outcomes among children with DS-ALL are significantly lower (75%) compared to the same age group without DS (85-90%). The genomic subtype with the second highest frequency in DS-ALL is rearrangement of CCAAT-enhancer binding proteins (CEBP). CEBPA/D and E are altered in ~10% of DS-ALL cases, and it is currently unknown why they frequently develop these alterations.

Projects available for: Honours or HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 or 2

Max Number of Students: 1

Category: Wet Lab

Special Requirements: Police Clearance