Research projects

Gregory has a deep passion for video games and science-fiction literature and films. In particular, he is a huge fan of Michael Crichton. He says that “Science-fiction has been quite successful in predicting some of the most incredible scientific breakthroughs of our century, so staying in touch with it can help liberate our minds as researchers.” Consequently, one of his favourite movies ever is Jurassic Park.

Dr Gregory Ehx and his team want to discover more about ‘chemoresistant’ cancer cells that survive chemotherapy. They hope to identify which peptides (small fragments of proteins) are unique to chemoresistant cells and how to use these peptides as targets for new treatments.

The GIGA institute in Belgium has state-of-the-art research facilities that will allow the team to use genetic sequencing, chemical analysis and computer programming to pinpoint the peptides with potential.

Next Dr Ehx will develop a vaccine that would teach T cells in our immune system to search for these peptides and destroy the chemoresistant cells. The researchers hope this vaccine could be taken in combination with existing treatments to better stop cancer. Although the team are using leukaemia models, they hope to find peptides common to lots of cancer types, so there is potential to help more people with cancer.