Newcastle University

The 3Rs Cancer Research Lab at Newcastle University develops advanced human-relevant models to study prostate cancer biology, epithelial plasticity, disease progression, and therapy resistance. Our work aims to improve the translational relevance of preclinical cancer research while reducing reliance on animal experimentation.

We use stem cell-derived and patient-derived organoid systems to investigate how epithelial organisation, cellular plasticity, signalling pathways, and genetic alterations shape prostate cancer development and treatment response. By combining organoid biology, genome engineering, advanced imaging, and transcriptomic approaches, we investigate how prostate epithelial cells acquire new identities, adapt to treatment, and develop resistance, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic vulnerabilities.

A central focus of the lab is understanding how changes in epithelial cell identity and tissue organisation contribute to therapy resistance in advanced prostate cancer. We also investigate the role of the primary cilium in regulating cellular signalling, epithelial organisation, and treatment response. Our research is supported by the NC3Rs and Prostate Cancer UK and is carried out in close collaboration with academic, clinical, and industry partners.

The lab is committed to responsible and ethical research practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the training of early career researchers. We welcome enquiries from prospective PhD and MSc students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators interested in organoid models, epithelial plasticity, prostate cancer, and human-relevant preclinical research.