Amy Lewington is an MRes Advanced Biological Science student within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton.
Graduated in 2020 with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Southampton. My dissertation was using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create B-Catenin Knockouts in order to study the role of B-Catenin in Colorectal Cancer.
My research area focuses on the creation of novel anti-cancer agents. Currrently I am researching the use of Pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) which bind to the minor groove of DNA and can stop the replication of cancer cells. It is believed that such drugs could be used to create Antibody Drug Conjugates for targeted tumour cytotoxicity. I am using experiments such as DNA footprinting and light cycling to investigate the DNA binding specificity of the novel PBD conjugate FGX15-147.
Why I chose MRes Advanced Biological Science
I chose an MRes in Advanced Biological Science to allow me to pursue an in-depth research project following on from my BSc. With my interest in novel anti-cancer agents, I chose to research PBDs to allow me to gain insight into understanding the mechanism and selectivity of potential agents and how this can be utilised to improve targeted cancer therapies.
Aims for the future
Following graduation, I am looking to pursue a PhD or a research-based career in the field of Pharmaceuticals.
Supervisor: Prof Keith Fox
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences