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SUMMARY:Experimental evolution in cancer cell lines - Dr Louise Johnson fr
 om School of Biological Sciences\, University of Reading 
DTSTART:20190124T140000Z
DTEND:20190124T150000Z
UID:TALK109279@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Caroline Newnham
DESCRIPTION:Experimental evolution has thrown light on many longstanding d
 ebates in evolutionary biology. We are applying techniques adapted from mi
 crobial experimental evolution to cancer cell lines in vitro\, focusing on
  traits relevant to metastasis. Monitoring cell behaviours via time-lapse 
 microscopy we find that cell speed\, but not cell division rate\, is highl
 y heritable and therefore rapid responses to selection can be expected\; a
 pplying deep learning techniques allows us to extend this approach to more
  complex cell traits such as cell shape\, rates of shape change\, and cell
 s’ responses to their social environment. We have developed assays and s
 election regimes to test and select for cells’ capacity to invade tissue
  and colonise new environments\; proof-of-principle experiments suggest ce
 ll-cell competition for resources may increase cell motility in cancer cel
 ls\, consistent with ecological theories of the evolution of dispersal.  
LOCATION:Biffen Lecture Theatre\, Department of Genetics\, Downing Site
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