The research engagement team recently visited The Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science in London (pictured), and met with Dr Tom Millner
As part of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, this institute is a state-of-the-art centre for research and education with its interior resembling the inside of a cell.
Currently completing his clinical research fellowship at this inspiring institute is Dr Tom Millner. Having graduated with degrees in neuroscience and medicine, Dr Millner is now conducting research to further understand the events that initiate a glioblastoma.
This highly aggressive tumour occurs mainly in adults and carries a dismal prognosis.
Tom’s research project focuses on epigenetic modifications, an important aspect of glioblastoma development. Epigenetic modifications are alterations to the structure of DNA that change the manner in which DNA is accessed and ‘read’ by the cell.
While epigenetic modifications play an important role in normal development and health, they can also be responsible for the development of diseases, including cancer.
To further explain this scientific concept, Dr Millner used the analogy of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Listen to the podcast below to learn more.
In this podcast our Research Engagement Manager, Becky Birch chats to Dr Tom Millner, one of our researchers, about his work on glioblastomas and how it could lead to new and better treatments for patients.