Marlo Firme
M.Sc. Program
Previous Degree: B.Sc. Microbiology & Immunology
2011 Cohort
I am currently working on determining the role of mutations in the transcriptional repressor CIC in the progression of oligodendroglioma, a histologically and cytogenetically distinct subgroup of brain tumour. We have found CIC to be somatically mutated in ~70% of oligodendrogliomas. In addition, we have found recurrent somatic mutations in either isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH1 or IDH2) in 100% of oligodendrogliomas. These recurrent IDH mutations alter the catalytic function of these enzymes to produce the oncometabolite 2-hydroxybutarate. I hope to gain insight into how mutated CIC and IDH1/2 work together to contribute to the development of oligodendroglioma.
Supervisor: Marco Marra
