Rachel Theobald

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical sciences
• DNA methylation as a mediating mechanism in the development of neurotoxicity in response to methotrexate treatment

Methotrexate (MTX) administration to treat childhood leukaemia can cause side effects, including neurotoxicity. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) use combined with MTX appears to increase risk of these events but the underlying biological mechanisms are unknown. MTX and N₂O both inhibit one carbon metabolism, which is driven by dietary B vitamins i.e. B₁₂ and folate, and is integral to DNA synthesis and methylation. DNA methylation, a mechanism of gene regulation, is modifiable via environment and may be one mediating mechanism linking treatments with neurotoxicity.

Project Supervisor: Dr Jill McKay, Institute of Health & Society

Funding source: Wellcome Trust