Dr. Swadi is a Senior Lecturer in Oncology with an interest in molecular biology and cancer therapeutics. Her current focus revolves around the development of microRNA-based treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma, a challenging paediatric cancer with limited therapeutic options. Rasha's research journey began during her doctoral studies at the University of Liverpool, where she pioneered investigations into potential therapeutic molecules using the chick chorioallantoic membrane xenograft CAM model. Her work, published in esteemed journals like BMC Cancer and Scientific Reports (Nature Group), significantly advanced the understanding of neuroblastoma pathogenesis and treatment modalities. Collaborating with clinical teams at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Rasha aims to translate her research into effective therapies for neuroblastoma patients.
Research Projects:
1- Exploring the role of cyclin-dependent kinases in cancer treatment through cell cycle modulation.
2- Investigating mitochondria's impact on cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
3- Examining the therapeutic potential of micro-RNAs in treating neuroblastoma.
We welcome new PhD applicants interested in these research areas. If you are interested, please don't hesitate to contact us at r.r.swadi@ljmu.ac.uk
Journal article
Inuwa RF, Moss D, Quayle J, Swadi R. 2024. Epac activation reduces trans-endothelial migration of undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells and cellular differentiation with a CDK inhibitor further enhances Epac effect Horowitz A. PloS one, 19 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Swadi RR, Sampat K, Herrmann A, Losty PD, See V, Moss DJ. 2019. CDK inhibitors reduce cell proliferation and reverse hypoxia-induced metastasis of neuroblastoma tumours in a chick embryo model Scientific Reports, 9 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Swadi R, Mather G, Pizer BL, Losty PD, See V, Moss D. 2018. Optimising the chick chorioallantoic membrane xenograft model of neuroblastoma for drug delivery BMC Cancer, 18 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
preprint
Inuwa R, Moss D, Quayle J, Swadi R. 2024. Epac activation reduces trans-endothelial migration of undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells and cellular differentiation with a CDK inhibitor further enhances Epac effect Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DOI Publisher Url
Swadi RR, Sampat K, Herrmann A, Losty PD, See V, Moss DJ. 2018. CDK inhibitors reduce cell proliferation and reverse hypoxia-induced metastasis of neuroblastoma tumours in a chick embryo model Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DOI Publisher Url
Conference publication
Swadi R, Moss D. 2018. Cell cycle inhibitors restrict tumour growth and inhibit metastasis in CAM model of Neuroblastoma. 2018 ASCB | EMBO Meeting, San Diego, CA, USA. Author Url
Swadi R, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2018. Hypoxic Preconditioning Promotes Metastasis of Neuroblastoma Cells and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors reverse this In Vivo. ANR 2018, San Francisco, CA, USA. Author Url
Swadi R, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2017. Hypoxia prompts Neuroblastoma metastasis and CDK inhibitors reverse this in chick embryo model. NCRI Cancer conference 2017, Liverpool, UK. Author Url
Swadi R, Sampat K, Pizer B, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2017. Multiple CDK inhibitors Palbociclib and RO-3306 suppress Neuroblastoma growth in vivo. North West Cancer Research (NWCR) 2017 symposium, University of Liverpool
Swadi R, Sampat K, Pizer B, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2016. The role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on neuroblastoma cell differentiation and apoptosis. 2016 ASCB Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, USA Author Url
Swadi R, Mather G, Sampat K, Greenwood H, Moss D. 2015. The chick embryo: a new versatile research model for Neuroblastoma. 4th Neuroblastoma Research Symposium, Newcastle, UK. Author Url
Swadi R, Mather G, Greenwood H, Moss D. 2015. The chick embryo: a new versatile research model for Neuroblastoma. NCRI Cancer Conference 2015, Liverpool. UK. Author Url
Poster
Swadi R, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2017. Cracking the Egg: Potential of Developing Chick Embryo as a Model System to Combat Metastasis of Neuroblastoma. NC3Rs 2017, Liverpool, UK.
Swadi R, See V, Losty P, Moss D. 2017. Hypoxia prompts Neuroblastoma metastasis and CDK inhibitors reverse this in chick embryo model. ITM Research Day 2017, University of Liverpool, UK.
Swadi R, Mather G, Sampat K, Pizer B, See V, Greenwood H, Losty P, Moss D. 2016. Using chick model to investigate new therapy for Neuroblastoma. ITM Research Day 2016, University of Liverpool
Swadi R, Moss D. 2016. The role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase inhibitors on Neuroblastoma cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. North West Cancer Research (NWCR) 2016 symposium, University of Liverpool
Thesis/Dissertation
Swadi R. Characterisation of Potential Therapeutic Molecules for Neuroblastoma Using Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Xenograft Model Moss D.