Dr Malgorzata Wiench

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Uniquely based between the School of Dentistry in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Medicine she aims to understand the mechanisms by which chromatin organization and DNA methylation regulate gene expression in health and disease and to develop the basis for patient-tailored epigenetic cancer therapies. The investigations focus on the role of nuclear receptors, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in the functioning of distal regulatory elements.

Research themes

Gene regulation.
Cancer epigenetics.
DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation.
Chromatin organization.
Epigenetic therapies.

Research Groups

Oral Diseases

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: goal-driven, collaborating, supportive.

Provision of Training

You will receive training first either from me or experienced post docs/PhD students and while you become more independent you will have access to advice and help with troubleshooting. Eventually you will be the one helping to train the new students.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will have regular (weekly) meetings but you should also feel encouraged to approach for advice whenever needed. During these meetings you will be expected to discuss your plans and ideas and we can decide on the progression together. You should take strong ownership of the project by the end of year 1.

Communication

I communicate with my students via emails and WhatsApp messages during and outside of work hours but respecting each other’s need for time off. I encourage good life/work balance.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I have an open door policy, though my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Immunocompetent in vitro models of oral and intestinal mucosa

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Immunocompetent in vitro models of oral and intestinal mucosa

Secondary Supervisor(s): Prof Asif Iqbal

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Systems Biology)

Project Outline

The project aims to establish well-characterised immunocompetent in vitro models of oral and intestinal mucosa (OM, IM)– adaptable, scalable and ready for downstream applications. Oral and gastro-intestinal mucosae form first line defence against microbial insults, which needs to be replicated during in vitro tissue generation. The barrier relies on an epithelial layer supported and nourished by underlying lamina propria (LP), a connective tissue with ECM-producing fibroblasts and immune cells. We have recently developed 3D-printed culture devices [1] allowing us to grow the OM tissues in high-throughput manner and characterized the tissues using scRNA-seq. This identified key cell populations in both epithelial and LP (fibroblasts) component of the model which showed remarkable similarity to populations previously described in vivo. However, in vivo studies clearly show the immune cells as key elements of mucosal barrier and these are currently missing in our model. This project will (1) advance the OM model by introducing macrophages and T cells into the hydrogel matrix and (2) characterize the cell populations and their interactions using scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics. In parallel, the project will (3) develop and (4) characterize the models specific to intestinal mucosa. (5) Both models will be tested against environmental stimuli and interaction with biofilms.

Wide range of state-of-the-art methods spanning immune cell and tissue mimic culture, 3D printing, imaging, single cell transcriptomic approaches, computational modelling and bioinformatic analysis will be used throughout the project. In addition to interdisciplinary supervision the project will form basis to a robust training programme. The acquired knowledge will provide unique transcriptomic datasets and aid our understanding of the formation and maintenance of mucosal barrier.

[1] Hewitt B, at al. Tissue Eng Part C Methods. 2022 Nov;28(11):599-609. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0130.

APPLY HERE