Progress beyond the state of the art: This project goes beyond the current state of the art as it uses pre-clinical mouse models for studying the role of HDAC6 in NSCLC. Dr. Wong’s laboratory has generated various inducible bitransgenic mice harboring mutations in oncogenes such as KRAS, BRAF, HER2 and EGFR in lung cancer. Moreover, we also used allograft lung mouse models. Both these mouse models are well beyond the current-state-of-the-art as the disease is driven by clinically relevant genetic changes, the tumour arises from normal organs, native vasculature is present and the mice are immune-competent. When investigating the changes of the immune microenvironment we used state-of-the art multi-parametric flow cytometry. This allowed us to look at changes in the populations of T cell, B cell, MDSCs, dendritic cells and macrophages together. Finally, we used state-of-the art metabolic mass spectrometry techniques to examine the metabolic phenotypes of NSCLC tumors
Expected results and potential impacts: This project encompassed highly innovative, collaborative research that will deliver impact, both to Europe and globally. The project was focused on examining the role of HDAC6 in NSCLC and developing new treatment options for this disease. The deliverables in this project will provide potential impact in the following ways: Economic Impact; the potential new treatment options generated in this project will help reduce the number of cancer deaths, decreasing the economic impact of cancer. Societal Impact; the discovery of new treatment options will also save lives and lessen the strain on the society, health services, families and carers. Health and Wellbeing; the dissemination and public engagement will help educate and improve the health and wellbeing of the general population. Human Capacity; this project has greatly impacted my career progression and will pay a major role in helping me become a successful woman in science.
