Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Group
The Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer (MEC) Lab, led by Dr. David Hughes, is located at the UCD Conway Institute. Our lab focuses on understanding the epidemiological associations between nutritional, genetic, metabolic, microbial, and lifestyle factors in the initiation and progression of gastrointestinal cancers.
We investigate how these factors contribute to cancer risk and progression using advanced molecular and statistical methodologies. Our research aims to uncover critical mechanisms that influence cancer development.
Our goal is to provide valuable insights that could improve early detection, and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal cancers.
Our Research Areas
Our research aims to integrate molecular epidemiology into population-based medicine, bridging biology, public health, and research. We investigate how dietary, metabolic, genetic, and microbial factors interact in the development of gastrointestinal cancers, with a particular focus on colorectal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic cancers. Early detection is key to improving outcomes and guiding personalized treatment plans. Using long-term cohort studies, molecular biology techniques, and [biomarker discovery approaches/ bioinformatics approaches (pick one)], we identify risk factors and early warning signs associated with cancer development. Our research can be used to inform early detection, risk stratification, and prevention strategies for certain cancer types.