Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and liver metastasis is a major cause of CRC-related mortality. Our research group at the Surgery Research Unit in Clinical Research Center, Malmö investigates the molecular mechanisms driving CRC progression and metastasis, with a focus on microRNAs (miRNAs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and tumor–immune interactions.
Students will gain hands-on experience in experimental cancer research, working closely with postdoctoral researchers under direct supervision of the principal investigator. Projects involve laboratory work using cancer cell lines, animal models, and patient-derived samples.
Example MSc projects include:
Studying the role of microRNAs or genes in CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis using gain- and loss-of-function approaches.
Investigating how colorectal cancer–derived extracellular vesicles influence macrophage polarization and tumor growth.
Techniques may include cell culture, gene silencing or overexpression, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, extracellular vesicle analysis, and protein assays.
Project supervisor and PI: Associate professor Milladur Rahman, LU profile- https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/milladur-rahman/
Unite chief and PI: Professor Henrik Thorlacius, LU profile- https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/henrik-thorlacius/
If you are interested in participating in any of our ongoing projects as an MSc student, please contact milladur.rahman@med.lu.se for more information.