Leads: Marc Gunter and Rebecca Richmond / Emma Vincent

In this work package, we aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and progression. We use molecular measures to further our understanding of the biological links between risk factors and cancer, particularly those identified as part of the Mendelian randomisation work package.

We plan to: 

• Investigate a range of molecular measures, including proteins, metabolites, the microbiome, inflammatory biomarkers, and epigenetic and mutational profiles.  
  
  
• Apply novel methods to evaluate whether a molecular measure lies on the pathway between a risk factor and cancer development, in which case it may serve as a potential target for cancer prevention and treatment.
  
  
• Integrate findings from population-based studies with laboratory-based experiments to strengthen the evidence base around molecular mechanisms.