Lance Andrei Esteban

EDUCATION

College / University

University of the Philippines Diliman

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Country

Philippines

Lab Experience

Molecular Biology: gene cloning (sticky-end, TA-, Gibson Assembly), site-directed mutagenesis via gene splicing by overlap extension, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, preparation of ultracompetent cells, bacterial transformation, qPCR, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blot
Cell biology: cell culture (routine maintenance, transient transfection via lipofection); cellular assays (MTS assay, caspase-3/7 assay, scratch wound, dual-luciferase assay, phalloidin staining, reaction phenotyping, LDH-based cytotoxicity assays, trans-well permeability assay); flow cytometry (AV-PI staining); immunocytochemistry; light microscopy; high-content imaging

Projects / Research

2024 – 2025: “De-Risking the Tuklas Lunas Pipelines: ADMET Assays for Bridging Efficacy and Safety", National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
2023 – 2024: Undergraduate Thesis, “Investigation on the modulation of NRAS expression by microRNAs and miRSNPs identified in Filipino young-onset colorectal cancer patients”, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines

Scholarships / Awards

2025 – 2026:

Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My experience studying single nucleotide genetic variations and microRNAs in colorectal cancer cultivated my interest in gene regulation. I am now particularly curious by how factors beyond the DNA sequence, such as chromatin environment and genome architecture, govern gene expression and how their dysregulation contributes to disease onset and progression. Throughout this program, I hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic and structural factors influencing gene expression and explore how these insights can be integrated in developing therapeutic approaches for complex diseases such as cancer.