Genomics Lite: How do cells grow?
Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explore how cells grow both in the body and in the lab.
We are all made of trillions of cells, but how did these cells grow and divide? Jack and Fran speak to two scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Insitute whose job it is to grow cells in the laboratory. They explore what cells need to grow, how the conditions in a living organism are recreated in the lab, and what insights scientists can gain from exploring the mechanism of mitosis and cell differentiation. We'll also hear how CRISPR editing techniques help scientists to probe cancer, and learn what happens when cell growth doesn't happen the way it should.
About our speakers:
Alisha Dordi, Advanced Research Assistant, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Alisha works on growing and studying placental organoids—tiny, lab-grown models that help scientists understand how the placenta develops during pregnancy. She has a background in cell culture and has worked on cancer research projects using CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Alisha is particularly interested in how lab-based models can deepen our understanding of human development and health.
Yousra Belattar, Advanced Research Assistant, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Yousra is a Biomedical Scientist specialising in cancer biology, in particular blood cancer and lung cancer. She uses gene editing tools such as CRISPR to investigate drug resistance in cancer tumours. She has also worked in DNA sequencing, and wants to use genomic techniques to improve how we personalise treatment for cancer patients.
