Dr Ahsan Akram

The Lung Cancer Research Group are interested in translational research in lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer related death worldwide.

Our group researches components of the tumour microenvironment to understand how these different cells shape tumour progression and patient outcome. We also have a strong interested in using optical imaging techniques, as well as chemical probes, to understand tumour biology in humans. 

Dr Ahsan Akram

UKRI Future Leaders Fellow/ Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine

  • Centre for Inflammation Research

Contact details

Research Interests

We are dedicated to advancing the field of translational research in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Our primary goal is to dissect the complexities of the tumour microenvironment (TME) to understand how different cellular components contribute to tumour progression and influence patient outcomes. By leveraging cutting-edge optical imaging techniques and chemical probes, we also look to delve deeper into tumour biology in humans. We are also dedicated to promoting and providing a positive research environment and culture. 

Key Areas of Research:

Fibroblast and Immune Cell Heterogeneity in NSCLC

  • We investigate the diversity of fibroblasts and immune cells within non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a focus on the cross talk with fibroblasts.
  • Our research aims to elucidate how the TME modulates the immune response, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets.

Translational Imaging Techniques

  • We employ advanced imaging technologies, including optical imaging, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and molecular imaging (PET).
  • Our work spans from basic discovery and an understanding of the regulation of signals to clinical application, aiming to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

Primary Human Culture Methodologies

  • We utilise patient-derived NSCLC for research including using fresh digests tissue, organoids, co-cultures and precision cut tumour slices to study stromal biology in NSCLC.
  • Our techniques include high-dimensional flow cytometry, bulk RNA-sequencing, proteomics, and spatial multiparametric immunofluorescence (IFF) microscopy.
  • These methodologies are linked to patient outcomes, providing a greater understanding of tumour biology.

Culture and Environment

  • Core principles are to create and open and positive research environment to allow people to flourish and thrive. We prioritise a culture of respect, diversity and support and believe this brings with it a wealth of perspectives and ideas. 
  • We aim to create a collaborative working environment where all contributions are valued and believe empowering people produces  excellence and drives impactful research

We have several projects in the areas above and area always happy to discuss project with potential Masters or PhD Students. 

Key projects

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Fluorescence lifetime imaging signatures for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and its regulation through the adenosine pathway. 2024-2028.

Mellville Trust PhD Studentship. Mechanisms of TIL formation through CAF/T-cell interactions in NSCLC. 2023-2026

Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist Fellowship. Fibroblast Activation Protein Expressing Cancer Associated Fibroblasts From Lung Cancer As Imaging Biomarkers For Immunotherapy Stratification. 2017-2022.

Selected recent publications

Mathieson L, Koppensteiner L, Dorward DA, O’Connor RA, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein and podoplanin in non-small cell lung cancer predict poor clinical outcome. British Journal of Cancer. 2024:1-12. doi.org/10.1038/s41416-024-02671-1

Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Pattle S, Dorward DA, O'Connor R, Akram AR. Location of CD39+ T cell sub-populations within tumours predict differential outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2023;11:e006770. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2023-0067702023 

O'Connor RA, Roman Martinez B, Koppensteiner L, Mathieson L, Akram AR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts drive CXCL13 production in activated T cells via TGF-beta. Frontiers in Immunology. 2023:14:1221532. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221532

Titmarsh HF, von Kriegsheim A, Wills JC, O'Connor RA, Dhaliwal K, Frame MC, Pattle SB, Dorward DA, Byron A, Akram AR. Quantitative proteomics identifies tumour matrisome signatures in patients with non-small cell lung cancerFront Oncol. 2023;13:1194515. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194515 

Mathieson L, O’Connor RA, Stewart H, Shaw P, Dhaliwal K, Williams GOS, Megia-Fernandez A & Akram ARFibroblast Activation Protein Specific Optical Imaging in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Frontiers in Oncology 12, doi:10.3389/fonc.2022.834350 2022.

O’Connor RA, Chauhan V, Mathieson L, Titmarsh H, Koppensteiner L, Young I, Tagliavini G, Dorward DA, Prost S, Dhaliwal K, Wallace W & Akram AR. T cells drive negative feedback mechanisms in cancer associated fibroblasts, promoting expression of co-inhibitory ligands, CD73 and IL-27 in non-small cell lung cancer. OncoImmunology 10, 1940675 2021.

Akram AR, Chankeshwara SV, Scholefield E, Aslam T, McDonald N, Megia-Fernandes A, Marshall A, Mills B, Avlonitis N,  Craven TH, Smyth A, Collie DS, Grey C, Hirani N, Hill AT, Govan JR, Walsh T, Haslett C, Bradley M, Dhaliwal K. Immediate In Situ Identification of Gram-negative Bacteria in Human Lungs Using a Topically Administered Fluorescent Peptide Targeted Against Lipid A. Science Translational Medicine, 10 (464), eaal0033, 2018.

Group Members

Dr Ahsan Akram - Group Leader, Clinician Scientist.

Dr Layla Mathieson - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dr Alexander Hunt - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Mr Liam Nielson - PhD Student (primary supervisor)

Ms Ava Russell - PhD Student (primary supervisor)

Dr Adam Peters - CRUK TRACC Clinical Lectureship (co-supervisor)

Lab Alumni:

Dr Richard O’Connor (Postdoctoral Research Associate)- Current Position: Senior Scientist in Pandemic Sciences Hub

Dr Lilian Koppenstiener (PhD, Main supervisor, PhD Awarded 2024)- Current Position: Completing Clinical Medical Training in Oncology. 

Dr Layla Mathieson (PhD, Main Supervisor, PhD Awarded 2023) - Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dr Helen Titmarsh (PhD, Main Supervisor, PhD Awarded 2020) - Current Position: Practicing Veterinary Clinician.

Dr Susan Fernandes (MRC Clinical Research training Fellow, Co-supervisor, PhD awarded) - Current Position: Consultant in Respiratory Medicine. 

Ms Vishwani Chauhan  (Honours Project, 2019)

Ms Emily Jacobs (Honours Project, completed 2022)

Ms Phoebe Jones (Masters Student, completed 2022)

Ms Hannah Grant (Masters Student, completed 2022)

Ms Begona Ramon (Masters Student, 2022-2023)

Ms Hua Wang (Masters Student 2023-2024)

Ms Wenxin Xu (Masters Student 2023-2024)

Ms Ava Russell (Masters Student 2024)

Biographical Profile

Ahsan Akram is currently a Clinician Scientist and UKRI Future leaders Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine in NHS Lothian. He qualified in Medicine in 2005 and completed a PhD in Optical Imaging in 2015. In 2017 he established his own research theme in stromal biology in NSCLC and imaging through a Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist Fellowship, followed by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship in 2024. His research activities are described above and his clinical work includes respiratory medicine on call, interventional pulmonology and clinical lung cancer work. 

Other Responsibilities

Academic representative on the Respiratory Specialist Training Committee  

Member of the CIR Postgraduate Committee

Member of the Clinical Academic Careers Group, College of Medicine

Member of the Scottish Parliament Cross-party group on Cancer

Member of the Scottish Expert Advisory Group on Lung Cancer Screening

Add hoc peer reviewer for multiple journals and funding bodies

Collaborators

Pandemic Sciences Hub, University of Edinburgh

Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, University of Edinburgh

Professor Kev Dhaliwal, University of Edinburgh

Professor Steve Pollard, University of Edinburgh

Dr Nik Hirani, University of Edinburgh

Dr Qiang Wang, University of Edinburgh

Dr David Dorward, NHS Lothian

Professor James Hopgood, University of Edinburgh

Professor Mohini Grey, University of Edinburgh

Professor Robert Thomson, Heriot Watt University

Dr David Lewis, Beatson Institute University of Glasgow

Professor Oliver Jonas, Harvard Medical School

Funders

UK Research and Innovation

Melville Trust

Cancer Research UK

Wellcome Trust

Chief Scientist Office 

Industrial Collaborations