Epigenetic ageing in early-onset colorectal cancer

Overview

Biological age (age based on physiological changes) does not always correlate with chronological age (age based on time), and accelerated biological age (biological age exceeds chronological age) is associated with disease states.

While colorectal cancer (CRC) is still considered a disease of old age, its incidence is recently increasing in the younger population (<=50 years old).

This project aims to uncover if biological age, in the form of epigenetic age, is accelerated in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) patients. Epigenetic ages will be measured by methylation profiles using Illumina methylation arrays and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and will be compared to chronological age in early and late CRC tumour samples to determine if early onset patients have accelerated ageing.

Enthusiastic students with a molecular biology and/or bioinformatics background and an interest in cancer, will be considered. Bioinformatics experience will be an advantage, however, training will be provided. This project relies heavily on bioinformatics, and an interest in the field is a must.

This is one of a number of projects on offer for the 2026 intake of BBiomedSc(Hons) at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.

Visit the BBiomedSc(Hons) website for more information

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago