A DNA sequence is the code for life, but its chemical modifications (epigenetics) determine how that code is used. Chemical modifications of DNA such as DNA methylation affect cellular processes and control genes and genetic programs by turning them “on” and “off”. The most commonly modified base on DNA is cytosine with its most common modification being addition of a methyl group at the fifth position of the cytosine ring to make 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Since the methyl group can also be removed from 5mC, this base modification represents one of the most important cellular regulatory mechanisms for controlling gene expression, protein output (proteomics), and genomic stability.

This project aims to develop a new molecular tool to directly and dynamically read chemical modifications on genomic DNA (epigenetics) by utilizing advanced nanomaterials with the unique features of Raman spectroscopy. Epigenetics affects cellular processes and controls genetic programs by turning them “on” and “off" but there is currently no direct method to measure modifications on DNA. A new technology will be designed to avoid complicated procedures/chemistry for DNA epigenetic analysis providing a specific molecular fingerprint.

This study is a collaboration between Macquarie University, University of Warwick (UK), and The University of The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The applicant will develop expertise in nanotechnology, nanomaterial, cell biology and biomedical engineering. The applicant will grow skills through working in spectroscopy and microscope facility as well as analytical equipment at Macquarie University. Previous lab experience in all of some of the following will be highly regarded: Nanotechnology, biotechnology and cell biology

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the world and one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia. Circulating tumour cell (CTC) analysis has been shown to be a reliable tool in prognosticating disease, in predicting and monitoring of breast cancer treatment responses.

This PhD project will develop an innovative integrated microfluidic-nanotechnology platform to quantify and characterise CTCs in patients with breast cancer undergoing systemic treatments, by serial analysis of patients’ blood throughout treatment. The microfluidic devices are expected to achieve multiple goals including loss-free single CTC trap and release; and on-chip cell analysis. Successful demonstration of these abilities will lead us one step closer to a personalised treatment for disease monitoring and management.

This study is a collaboration between Macquarie University and st Vincent Hospital Melbourne/University of Melbourne, and will enhance and develop expertise in nanotechnology, cell biology and biomedical engineering. The applicant will grow skills through working in microfabrication facility as well as microscopy, and analytical equipment at Macquarie University.

Previous lab experience in all of some of the following will be highly regarded: cell biology and biomedical engineering.