Medina Abudula

I joined Associate Professor Shijie Cai’s group in April 2025 as a Post-doctoral Research Assistant. My work focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between cholangiocytes, normal bile duct epithelial cells, and cholangiocarcinoma cells using multi-omics approaches. In particular, I am interested in understanding early metabolic vulnerabilities in cholangiocarcinoma cells that arise through interactions with surrounding stromal cells within the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this work is to identify targetable metabolic vulnerabilities that may ultimately help improve outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma, a highly malignant and aggressive cancer type with limited treatment options.

I completed my PhD in cancer biology at the University of Liverpool, specialising in the tumour microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer. Before joining Dr Cai’s group, my research focused on understanding the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the immune system, particularly anti-tumour responses and the immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumour microenvironment that promote tumour initiation and progression. I am excited to bring my experience in cancer biology, immunology, and tumour microenvironment studies to advance cholangiocarcinoma research.