Research group

Bioinformatics and Genomics

A digitally rendered close-up of a DNA double helix structure with spherical particles against a dark background with bokeh light effects

Using advanced omics technologies to explore the complex biology of cancers.

About

We look at cancers at whole tumour, spatial and single-cell levels. Our integrated approaches include genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic sequencing technologies. These techniques allow us to discover new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Computational biology and bioinformatics


Central to our genomics research is our expertise in computational biology and bioinformatics. Our computational biologists and bioinformaticians develop and apply advanced computational tools to analyse large biological and clinical datasets from our omics studies.

Cancer genomics


We aim to unravel the genetic drivers of tumorigenesis and cancer progression, making use of comprehensive DNA sequencing techniques including:

  • whole exome sequencing (WES)
  • whole genome sequencing (WGS)
  • both short-read and long-read targeted sequencing


We employ RNA sequencing approaches such as:

  • bulk RNA sequencing
  • bulk miRNA sequencing
  • single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA)
  • long-read RNA sequencing


These approaches allow us to interpret gene expression profiles and identify dysregulated pathways critical to cancer. To understand the epigenetic regulation of cancer pathways, we use methods such as:

  • DNA methylation profiling
  • ATAC-seq
  • miRNA sequencing


Our research has a particular focus on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Our research also extends beyond B cell cancers to include ongoing collaborations with groups investigating sarcomas and other solid tumours.

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Dean Bryant BSc Hons, PhD, FHEA

Lecturer in Computational Cancer Biology

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Mrs Helen Parker

Senior Research Fellow
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Dr Jade Forster

Research Fellow
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Dr Jane Gibson

Associate Professor
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Professor Jon Strefford PhD

Head of School

Accepting applications from PhD students

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