PhD studentship - Genetic and functional characterisation of therapeutic targets in childhood brain tumours
- LoveOliver Charity and the Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Reference Code: CR063
Details:
Name of the supervisors
Professor S Clifford, Dr D Williamson and Dr S Bailey, Northern Institute for Cancer Research
Sponsor
LoveOliver charity and the Faculty of Medical Sciences
Duration of the award
Three-year PhD
Project description
Understanding the critical molecular events in childhood brain tumour development, and their biological function(s), will be central to their exploitation as novel drug targets, and to improved outcomes. Recent advances in genome-wide analysis now permit the screening of cancers at unprecedented resolution to identify critical genes which may play a role. However, determining which of these can drive tumour development functionally, and hence could be prioritised for drug development, is a major challenge in the translational application of large-scale genomics data.
Focussing on the malignant paediatric brain tumours medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid / rhabdoid tumour (ATRT), the initial phase of this project will involve the generation and bioinformatic analysis of comprehensive genomic, epigenomic, expression and next-generation DNA sequencing datasets to identify and prioritise a series of candidate genes potentially involved in tumour development. In phase two, cell-based screens will be developed to assess the functional impact of these candidates on the cancer phenotype.
These experiments will modulate gene expression by (i) dominant overexpression and (ii) si-RNA-mediated gene silencing in medulloblastoma and ATRT cells using large-scale lentiviral transfections, followed by assays of their effect on cancer-related processes, including cellular proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle. In the final phase, selected genes which show the best evidence of an ability to drive cancer development will be studied in greater functional detail to assess their potential as drug targets. Where applicable, this will include assessment of the efficacy of molecularly-targeted drugs against the proteins identified.
This project will provide a comprehensive training in contemporary molecular biology and genetic analysis in tumours and cell-biology systems, within a clinically-relevant oncology research project. Specifically, training will be provided in bioinformatic analysis, alongside genomic, epigenomic and cell-based analyses, using a range of molecular methods. The student will integrate fully into the Northern Institute for Cancer Research and its paediatric brain tumour research group, and will receive training in all methodologies from its experienced scientists.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
This studentship covers University fees at the UK/EU rate and a stipend matched to the minimum Research Council recommended stipend, £13,590 (11/12).
Person Specification
You should have, or expect to receive, (i) a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree, and (ii) a Master's level research degree (or equivalent research experience).
How to Apply
You must apply through the University's online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CR063 and selecting Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) - Cancer Research as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a covering letter, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CR063 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
You should also send your covering letter and CV to:
Pauline Stephenson,
Postgraduate Secretary,
Northern Institute for Cancer Research,
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE2 4HH
or by email to pauline.stephenson@ncl.ac.uk .
Closing date for applications
Closing date for applications: prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Further Information
For further details, please contact:
Professor S Clifford, steve.clifford@ncl.ac.uk