Matthew Dean
DPhil DPAG
Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer
My research focuses on designing innovative therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, with a particular emphasis on exploiting the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the unique vulnerabilities of cancer cells. I am specifically investigating logic-gated therapeutics that leverage the acidic pH of the TME to selectively target and kill cancer cells, while minimizing damage to normal tissues. This approach harnesses the biochemical properties of the TME, allowing for a more tailored and effective treatment of colorectal cancer, a disease that often shows resistance to conventional therapies.
A key aspect of my work is to better understand the mechanisms that confer resistance to pH-related stress in cancer cells. Many cancer cells exhibit adaptations that allow them to survive in the acidic TME, and understanding these adaptive pathways is critical for developing strategies to overcome this resistance. Additionally, I am exploring how infiltrating immune cells, which are crucial for an effective antitumor response, are impacted by the pH of the TME. These cells, such as T cells and macrophages, often exhibit compromised functionality in acidic conditions, which contributes to immune evasion by the tumor. I aim to design new immunotherapy strategies that not only enhance immune cell function under acidic conditions but also promote a more robust and sustained antitumor immune response.
A particularly exciting aspect of my research involves studying the role of lactylation, a recently discovered post-translational modification, in cancer biology. Lactylation, which is influenced by the metabolic and pH changes within the TME, may play a critical role in regulating the functions of both cancer cells and immune cells. By deciphering the mechanisms underlying lactylation and its impact on cellular processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and immune response, I seek to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve the efficacy of both targeted and immune-based treatments for colorectal cancer.
Overall, my goal is to leverage these distinct yet interconnected areas of cancer biology to develop more effective, precise, and personalized therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer, with a focus on overcoming pH-related challenges and immune suppression within the TME.
How could your research ultimately benefit patients?
This research has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for colorectal cancer patients by developing more targeted and personalized therapies. By understanding and manipulating the acidic pH of the tumor microenvironment, we aim to create treatments that selectively target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This could reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, by enhancing the function of immune cells within the TME, we hope to reinvigorate the body’s natural defenses against cancer, leading to more durable and long-lasting responses to immunotherapy. Overall, the insights gained from this research could pave the way for therapies that not only increase survival rates but also improve the quality of life for patients by offering more effective, less toxic treatment options.
About Matthew
I am a medical student who completed my medical education at Oxford University. After finishing my third year, I transitioned into the DPhil in Cancer Science program, supported by Cancer Research UK, driven by my passion for research and my desire to make a tangible impact on cancer treatment. My academic journey has been deeply intertwined with the biotech sector, having worked with GranzaBio, an Oxford University spin-out, where I gained valuable experience in the intersection of academia and industry. This exposure has sparked my keen interest in biotech innovation, and I am passionate about fostering industry collaborations. I aspire to one day establish my own biotech spin-out, and I actively encourage dialogue and partnerships in this space to drive forward translational research. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I am a professional amputee football player for Wisła Kraków and the English National Team, where I channel my competitive spirit and teamwork into sport, further balancing my academic and athletic pursuits.