Jackson Group
Programme overview
We are excited to offer an opportunity for Year 12 students to gain hands-on experience with the Jackson Group, a research team investigating how cells detect and repair DNA damage to maintain genome integrity. DNA damage can occur naturally in our bodies or as a result of environmental factors, and failure to repair this damage can lead to diseases like cancer, premature ageing, and developmental disorders.
Our work aims to uncover how cells respond to DNA damage, identify the key molecules involved, and explore how this knowledge can lead to better treatments for human diseases.
What you will do
During the placement, students will have the chance to:
- Observe cell culture experiments to see how scientists study living cells and their responses to DNA damage.
- Observe experiments using DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis to study and analyze DNA molecules.
- Observe experiments using protein gel electrophoresis and Western Blot analysis with antibodies to see protein size
- Engage in group discussions and problem-solving activities to understand how DNA repair research can improve treatments for diseases like cancer.
About the lab
The Jackson Group focuses on understanding how cells protect and repair their DNA to ensure genome stability. DNA damage occurs all the time due to environmental agents (like UV light or chemicals) and natural processes inside our bodies. If this damage is not repaired properly, it can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Cancer
- Premature ageing
- Developmental disorders
- Infertility
- Immune system deficiencies
Our research investigates the DNA-damage response (DDR), a collection of cellular processes that detect and repair DNA damage to keep cells healthy. We aim to:
- Discover new molecules and pathways involved in DNA repair.
- Understand how DDR defects lead to disease.
- Translate this knowledge into better ways to treat human diseases, such as new cancer therapies that target DNA repair pathways.
What to expect
This placement is designed to give you an immersive and interactive experience in understanding how cells repair their DNA and how this research can impact human health.
Activities Include:
- Cell culture: Observing how living cells are grown and used to study DNA damage and repair.
- DNA extraction and analysis: Watching how DNA is isolated from cells and analyzed using techniques like gel electrophoresis.
- Protein gel electrophoresis: Watching how proteins are isolated from cells and analysed by Western blot analysis with antibodies.
- Group discussions: Engaging with researchers to explore how DNA repair research leads to advances in treating diseases like cancer.
What you will gain
By the end of the placement, you will:
- Understand how DNA is damaged and repaired in cells to maintain genome stability.
- Learn about the cutting-edge techniques scientists use to study DNA repair, such as microscopy, DNA analysis, and Western blots.
- Explore the connections between DNA-damage repair, cancer, and other diseases.
- Develop key scientific skills, including observation, critical thinking, and data analysis.
- Gain insight into how research can lead to new therapies that target DNA repair to treat diseases like cancer.
If you are curious about biology, genetics, and how cells work to keep us healthy, this placement will introduce you to an exciting and vital area of biomedical research.
Risk assessment
| List of task | High risk | Medium risk | Low risk | Control measures |
| Tissue Culture- splitting cells | Handling mammalian cells (low risk)
Benchtop centrifuge use (low risk) |
Lab coat, gloves and googles are to be worn all the time
Chloe Palma is to supervise at all times
Training is to be given on equipment (bench top centrifuge, power pack, electrophoresis tanks, Cell Countess) by Chloe Palma
All electrical equipment will be visually inspected before use and have PAT testing |
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| Purification of DNA | Quiagen miniprep kit solution may have hazardous sign on -PPE must be used (Medium risk) | |||
| Agarose gel electrophoresis | Microwave use – melted agarose can bubble up (medium risk) | Power pack use (low risk) | ||
| Protein gel electrophoresis | Low risk | |||