New 3D models of gut cells shine more light on bowel cancer

Innovative research has resulted in academics creating 3D models of gut cells by using human tissue in a bid to find out more about bowel cancer.

The ground-breaking £9,757 study, led by senior clinical lecturer Dr Mairi McLean, took place at the Institute of Medical Sciences at Aberdeen University’s Foresterhill campus.

The research cash came from cancer charity Friends of Anchor.

Dr McLean said: “We investigated the consequence of a protein shift on bowel cell function and growth. To do this, we used a cutting-edge cell modelling technique and we have successfully established this here in Aberdeen from human tissue. This experimental method was not previously available in Aberdeen. In this case, we’re growing organoids, 3D mini models of the cells that line the gut – from healthy gut tissue but also from cancer cells in the bowel.

“This organoid model is vital to work out how the cells respond to injury and stress from bacteria and inflammation in the gut and how this influences cancer development.

“T h i s p r o j e c t is increasing our understanding of how colon cancer develops, and we hope this will lead to new ways to monitor disease and potentially lead to new treatments.

“Establishing this exciting technology in Aberdeen creates opportunity for this technique to be applied to different types of cancer.”

Photograph by Kami Thomson RESEARCH: Dr Mairi McLean in the lab with Phd student Daniel Brice and clinical lecturer Fiona Clegg.