Investigating the Impact of Incretin-Mimetic Drugs on Chemotherapy Response in Obesity-Driven Cancers

This PhD research project addresses how incretin-mimetic drugs (IMDs) may alter chemotherapy response in obesity-driven cancers. The study will explore whether these drugs enhance or hinder the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy, and uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions. The research involves in vitro screening using 13 cancer cell models to assess how physiological concentrations of IMDs affect chemotherapy response, mechanistic insights using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and mRNA sequencing to identify molecular pathways, and in vivo validation to evaluate the impact of IMDs on chemotherapy efficacy. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of metabolic disease and cancer biology, contributing to a rapidly evolving field with direct clinical relevance. The findings could inform future treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for patients with obesity-related cancers.