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Chunrun Qu

DPhil Student

research interests

My research focuses on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in gliomas, the most common primary brain tumours. I investigate how heritable changes in gene expression, occurring without DNA sequence alterations, influence glioma cell differentiation, particularly in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. My aims include identifying key epigenetic alterations driving tumour progression, understanding their impact on cell plasticity and heterogeneity, and developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic vulnerabilities.

Additionally, I explore critical epigenetic regulators within the immune system of cancer patients. By bridging neuro-oncology, epigenetics, and cancer immunology, my work seeks to contribute to more comprehensive and effective treatments for brain gliomas and other tumours.

background

My doctoral studies are supported by the CSC-COI MD/PhD Scholarship Programme. Prior to joining the University of Oxford, I was studying clinical medicine through an eight-year programme in China. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Clinical Medicine in 2024, after which I commenced my MD/PhD studies. My previous research focused on bioinformatics and clinical epidemiology studies targeting central nervous system diseases, including brain tumours.