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Research groups
George Maier
DPhil Student
Research interests
Despite genetic predispositions, approximately 85% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are believed to originate from various types of premalignant polyps. I am interested in understanding why these precancerous lesions arise in the colon and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern their formation. Additionally, I aim to characterise the microbiome associated with these lesions to explore any potential implications of dysbiosis in their development. Ultimately, I plan to utilise primary epithelial culture models, such as organoids and mucosoids, to investigate the mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis in vitro. My goal is to understand colorectal cancer before its onset, and identifying the microenvironmental drivers will provide new potential targets for cancer prevention and early intervention.
Background
I graduated with a MBiochem in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from University of Oxford in 2021. My masters focused on understanding the role of ADO – a novel oxygen sensor in regulating physiological responses to acute hypoxia.