Experimental models in the rodent using genetic modification or xenografting can produce complex phenotypes, requiring a range of techniques to demonstrate abnormalities. In addition to conventional light microscopy, we employ advanced immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence using multiple labelling, in situ hybridisation, whole mount in situ hybridisation, fluorescence microscopy, 3-D reconstruction of serial histological sections and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging. The laboratory deals with a wide range of models and samples from research groups within the London Research Institute and via external collaborations with other Cancer Research UK funded laboratories. Technical developments include the development of novel approaches to fixation to maximise DNA/RNA/Protein yield.

With Dr Brad Spencer-Dene, developmental biologist in the laboratory, one of our internal research aims is to define the roles of Fibroblast Growth Factors in gastroduodenal development and carcinogenesis, which are presently uncertain. The 22 mammalian FGFs bind to 4 cognate receptors (FGFR 1-4), activating TK signalling pathways. We have found that FGFR2b is critical to gastroduodenal development, and absence of its ligand FGF 10 produces a similar phenotype. It is known that FGFR 2b expression/function is altered in gastric cancers in the human and may interact with the Trefoil factor gene family (TFFs). Prof E-N Lalani has research interests in prostate cancer including the molecular mechanisms of Androgen Receptor Independence and the role of the PI3K/Akt/PTEN signalling pathway.