Gene network engineering: quantifying emergent gene expression in cancer and antibiotic resistance

Dr Isalan aims to understand and build gene networks that behave predictably, consistently and robustly in the context of solving medically relevant problems. Specifically, his research will explore the emergence of gene expression in response to need in the context of antibiotic-resistance genes in bacteria and multidrug-resistance genes in cancer cells. The main concept at the centre of his research is that natural selection occurs not only at the level of the gene (on genetic variation), but also at the level of gene expression, influencing heritable phenotypic variation. By combining laboratory experiments and computational modelling, he aims to develop a new theoretical basis for understanding emergent gene expression.