Investigating the Epigenetic Regulation of Glioblastoma

This project investigates the epigenetic regulation of glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. It investigates the role of ZMYND8, a master epigenetic regulator, and GBM-linked long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GBM progression and treatment resistance. It aims to uncover how ZMYND8 and associated lncRNAs influence these processes.

The research explores three main questions:

1. How do ZMYND8 and GBM-linked lncRNAs epigenetically regulate cellular properties that drive GBM progression, including proliferation, metastasis potential, and stemness?

2. What is the role of ZMYND8 and its regulated lncRNAs in the epigenetic mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in GBM?

3. How does ZMYND8 shape the epigenetic landscape that contributes to cellular heterogeneity that confers chemoresistance in GBM?

Using advanced techniques including, CRISPRi-mediated knockdown, RNA-seq, and single-cell RNA sequencing, the project will examine the epigenetic networks involved in GBM biology. This research may reveal new epigenetic targets for GBM treatment and provide insights into the epigenetic basis of tumour resistance to current therapies, potentially leading to the development of novel therapeutic interventions and biomarkers for GBM.

• Dr Juli Wang, Research Associate, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW

• Professor Irina Voineagu, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences UNSW
• Associate Professor Orazio Vittorio, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW