Project 1: investigating the polyclonal nature of Glioblastoma through the development of a 3-dimensional spheroid model And Project 2: Investigating TNF-α in first episode psychosis medication naïve schizophrenia patients to demographically controlled individuals and pharmacological manipulation of TNF-α release

Eales, Katherine Louise (2014). Project 1: investigating the polyclonal nature of Glioblastoma through the development of a 3-dimensional spheroid model And Project 2: Investigating TNF-α in first episode psychosis medication naïve schizophrenia patients to demographically controlled individuals and pharmacological manipulation of TNF-α release. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of glioma. Metagenomics has shown that GBM is a heterogeneous disease consisting of four genetic subtypes characterised by diverse mutations and differential sensitivity to treatment. This study aimed to develop a 3D culture model, using 3 cell lines representative of the GBM subtypes grown as multicellular spheroids. Subtype interactions were observed using confocal microscopy. Spheroids were treated with chemotherapy agent, Temozolomide, and showed that the Mesenchymal subtype proliferated and relocated to the spheroid centre, potentially promoting spheroid survival. This study provides a suitable in vitro culture model of GBM heterogeneity, which can be further developed to improve the effectiveness of future research and the opportunity for the development of more targeted treatments.
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disease with a complex aetiology. Research focus has recently shifted to investigate the role of the immune system in schizophrenia. Studies report an elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in patients with schizophrenia. However, there is a level of ambiguity within these studies as factors such as medication can significantly affect cytokine levels and have often not been controlled for. This study aimed to resolve this uncertainty by investigating TNF-α release from medication-naïve patients, demographically matched to healthy individuals. Results showed a small, but non-significant increase in TNF-α release.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):