Imogen Bridges
DPhil Student
Research interests
My DPhil project investigates the interface of p53 and hypoxia signalling via the protein FIH, specifically how this protein affects the interaction of the immune system with tumours. FIH is capable of modifying the chemistry of other proteins, thereby altering their function. Evidence from the Lu lab shows that FIH loss can cause some immune cell types to switch allegiance and support tumours, and I want to understand how this happens. There are FIH-targeting drugs developed in Oxford currently in clinical trial in other disease contexts, and these could provide an opportunity for rapid translation of our findings to patient care once we understand more about the biology of FIH.
Background
I have a BSc In Biochemistry from the University of Bath and an MSc in Applied Cancer Science from the University of Oxford. I have both industry and academic research experience through a year-long placement at UCB Pharma, as well as a year as a Research Assistant in the lab of Professor Sir Peter Ratcliffe. These projects spanned RNA technologies, autoimmune disease, cancer cell biology, and hypoxia physiology, which have culminated in my current DPhil research theme.