Employing (Home) Organisation: JOINT CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTRE
Project title: Establishing a CRISPR/Cas gene editing platform for HPV therapeutics
I am a research scientist at the Joint Clinical Research Centre, Uganda. I have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Makerere University and have received post-doctoral training in manufacturing cell and gene therapies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA. My current research interest is developing cell and gene therapies that are cost-effective and accessible by the individuals in LMICs. My late father, who was a statistician, inspired me to explore the world of biomedical research for solutions to alleviate the high disease burden in my country.
Summary of Project Destination
Cervical cancer is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. While an effective vaccine exists, its benefits are limited to those not yet sexually active, and access is restricted to government programs with limited reach. Vaccine hesitancy further lowers coverage, contributing to the high burden of HPV-induced cervical cancer. Current treatments, though effective, have severe side effects, highlighting the need for better options.
During my fellowship, I am developing a CRISPR-based therapeutic targeting HPV16 and HPV18, the leading causes of cervical cancer. This molecular tool can precisely remove oncogenic genes, offering a potential single-shot cure. If successful, this approach could revolutionize cervical cancer treatment, providing a safer, more accessible solution in low-resource settings.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will be under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Elena Herrera-Carrillo at Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, in Spain. I will receive training in soft skills such as communication, leadership, writing while also gaining laboratory skills to support the research. I hope to establish collaborations and access my mentor’s broad network of international scientists. My home institution is setting up a cell and gene therapy laboratory, the first of its kind in East Africa and they will support technology and knowledge transfer and provide resources to continue this work in Uganda. My research will be integrated in the JCRC research portfolio and JCRC will support sourcing for funds to sustain development of this research.
Quote
“My placement is a wonderful opportunity that opens doors for advancing cervical cancer treatment in high-burden, low-resource settings.”
Dr. LOIS BAYIGGA expects to start her fellowship in July 2025