The University of Westminster’s Genome Engineering Lab brought together Westminster academics and students of different study levels with international experts in DNA damage and Artificial Intelligence (AI), who spent two years collaborating on research that can potentially revolutionise DNA damage studies in cancer and disease research.
The study, titled A Deep Learning Workflow for Quantification of Micronuclei in DNA Damage Studies in Cultured Cancer Cell Lines: A Proof of Principle Investigation, is intended to provide encouragement for further work in building AI powered tools for basic cancer research.
The research aims to demonstrate how advancements in the field of Computer Science, especially in AI, can be used in Genome Instability studies. The study uses Deep learning (DL), an AI powered machine learning method that can create multiple layers of algorithms and networks, making large scale data processing more efficient.
The research was led by Dr Kalpana Surendranath, Leader at the Genome Engineering Lab of the University, and Senior Lecturer at the Westminster School of Life Sciences, and it involved a team of students and alumni from the School. Around 1800 images of genome instability were generated by past PhD students Dr Ahmed Sidali and Dr Nadeen Solaiman in the lab to validate the model. It is noteworthy that this vertically integrated project brought together current students and alumni including Munuse C Savash Ishanzadeh, who is currently pursuing PhD at the University of Oxford and the students of Gene Editors Programme, an extracurricular student training created and led by Dr Surendranath.
Westminster students have also been working in the laboratory to analyse data and take the research a level further. The data produced by them is now utilised for validation of another advanced version of the original study.
Reflecting on working with academics and experts, Edward Obioha, Biomedical Sciences MSc student, said: “It begins as an intimidating experience but opens up opportunities to see the extent of work involved and knowledge required to get to that level, steering academic interests.”
Kevin Roshan Amalanathan, student of the Applied Biotechnology MSc course, said: “I have learnt more about assessing failure in experiments and gained troubleshooting skills that is integral to innovation and research.”
The project is supported by the Quintin Hogg Trust, and involved international collaborators, including Logy.AI, a population screening and care coordination platform; and major healthcare organisations, including the Apollo Hospitals and Colgate Palmolive who are aiming to spread awareness about preventive healthcare worldwide.
Head of CETI, Andrew Pitchford commented: “This is a great example of the power of our students working across year groups to support the research of colleagues. Working vertically in this way unlocks capabilities that can otherwise be hidden. This process reflects our student partnership principles and shows how we can use our imagination to further existing research projects.”
Talking about the research, Dr Surendranath said: “We look forward to encouraging and establishing further collaborations in research and research-led teaching innovations.”
Find out more about the Genome Engineering Lab at the University of Westminster.
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