Dr. Berna S. Sayan is a lecturer in Biomedicine at the University of Salford, with extensive experience in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical research. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bilkent University, Turkey, and has since built a dynamic academic career across leading UK institutions.
Dr. Sayan previously held a lectureship at the University of Manchester, where she contributed to both research and teaching in precision medicine. She also served as a group leader and senior research fellow at the University of Southampton, leading projects on molecular mechanisms of disease. Earlier in her career, she was a career development fellow and later a scientific investigator at the MRC Toxicology Unit, where she explored fundamental aspects of cellular responses to stress and disease progression.
Her research interests focus on molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, with contributions to cancer biology and translational medicine. Over the years, she has successfully secured research funding, co-leading projects on novel biomarkers, therapeutic interventions, and academic scholarship in STEM education. Her publication record reflects her impact in the field, with over 30 peer-reviewed papers and a growing citation footprint (over 2100 citations, h-index: 21).
Beyond her research in cancer biology and biomarker discovery, Dr. Sayan is deeply committed to enhancing student learning and academic transition. She has been actively investigating the impact of assessment language on student attainment, particularly in supporting students from diverse educational backgrounds. Her work focuses on improving clarity in academic expectations and assessment criteria to foster equitable learning experiences and bridge attainment gaps.
Beyond research and teaching, she contributes to the academic community through peer review, PhD examinations, and committee memberships, including her involvement in the Athena Swan initiative for gender equality in academia. With a strong dedication to mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, she continues to advance both scientific discovery and education in biomedical sciences.
Research Interests
1. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of therapy resistance in cancer
Cancer stem cells have the ability to adapt to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often through metabolic reprogramming and modifications within the tumour microenvironment. Treatment-induced stress can influence immune signalling, extracellular matrix composition, and key regulatory pathways, all of which contribute to tumour progression, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. Research in my lab focuses on how cancer cells and cancer stem cells respond to these stresses, with particular attention to metabolic changes and alterations in the tumour microenvironment. We investigate how therapies modulate extracellular matrix dynamics and signalling networks that drive therapy resistance, with the aim of identifying actionable targets to enhance treatment efficacy and improve long-term clinical outcomes.
2. Drug repurposing for paediatric cancers
Paediatric cancers often progress rapidly and present unique therapeutic challenges. For aggressive tumours like medulloblastoma, particularly within the SHH subgroup, there remains an urgent need for safer, more effective treatment options that minimise long-term side effects. Using existing, clinically approved drugs for new therapeutic purposes offers an efficient and promising strategy to address this gap. This approach makes use of known pharmacological profiles to reduce the time and cost associated with drug development. Research in my lab combines this strategy with ongoing work on cancer metabolism, therapy resistance, and tumour stemness to identify compounds that show potential for rapid translation into clinical use. The ultimate goal is to support the development of targeted therapies for childhood cancers that are currently difficult to treat.
3. Biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
Prenatal exposure to alcohol can disrupt key neurodevelopmental processes and cellular functions, contributing to long-term effects associated with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The identification of reliable and accessible biomarkers of PAE is critical for early diagnosis and intervention. We explore the molecular consequences of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, focusing on developmental signalling pathways and gene expression changes linked to PAE. This work contributes to broader public health efforts aimed at improving early detection and support for affected children and families.
Teaching and Learning
Alongside research, there is a strong commitment to teaching and enhancing student learning. Current interests include the transition into higher education, inclusive assessment practices, and improving academic outcomes through clearer communication of assessment expectations. A particular focus is placed on how students from diverse educational backgrounds engage with instruction words in assignments and exams, and how greater clarity in academic language can help bridge attainment gaps. This work feeds into both pedagogical research and practical innovations in curriculum design, aiming to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment.
PhD Supervision Availability
Yes
PhD Topics
1- Natural Products as Apoptosis Modulators: Enhancing Treatment Efficacy Through Synergistic Therapeutic Strategies.
2- Mechanisms of therapy resistance in cancer stem cells: Exploring how cancer stem cells respond to treatment stress and contribute to tumour recurrence, with a focus on metabolic adaptation and microenvironmental changes.
3- Impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the tumour microenvironment: Investigating how standard treatments reshape the cellular and molecular landscape of tumours and influence treatment outcomes.
4- Repurposing approved drugs for paediatric brain tumours
Identifying and characterising existing compounds with potential activity against medulloblastoma, particularly within defined molecular subgroups.
5- Molecular markers of prenatal alcohol exposure
Characterising gene expression and cellular changes associated with alcohol exposure during fetal development to support biomarker discovery.
