MRC MRes/PhD Studentship: Structural and functional characterization of CDK4/6-cyclin D complexes
- Reference Code: CR059
Details:
The transition of cells through the early G1 stage of the cell cycle is coordinated by the activities of CDK4 and CDK6. Elevated CDK4/6 activity results in abnormal cell cycle control and for this reason, a greater understanding of CDK function will aid development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat various cancers. The hypothesis to be tested in this project is that CDK4 and CDK6 share molecular mechanisms of enzyme activation and regulation that distinguish them from other members of the CDK family.
The aims of the project are first to generate tools to enable structure determination of CDK6-containing complexes, and then to carry out biochemical, biophysical and crystallographic studies to investigate alternative complexes between CDK6 and the CKIs p21 and p27. At each stage in the project hypotheses arising out of the structural and mechanistic studies will be tested in in vitro cell models. The LNCaP, prostate cancer cell line model will be used to determine effects of CDK6 and cyclin D mutants and inhibitors on phosphorylation of selected substrates by assessing cell cycle distribution, protein stability, transcriptional activity and cellular compartmentalization.
Name of the supervisor(s)
Professor J Endicott : Northern Institute for Cancer Research
Professor C Robson : Northern Institute for Cancer Research
Professor M Noble: Northern Institute for Cancer Research
Sponsor - MRC (Medical Research Council)
Duration of the award - 4 years (MRes Medical and Molecular Biosciences) followed by a three year PhD)
Value of the Award - Depending on how you meet the MRC's eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,590 (2011/2012). A partial award covers fees at the UK/EU rate only.
Eligibility - A first class or upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications) in one of the following: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry or Molecular Biology
How to Apply - You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select "Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) - Cancer Research" as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number CR059.
Closing date for applications - Prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Further Information - Please contact The Northern Institute for Cancer Research.