MRC: Constructing the systems biology of CML with a view to improving treatment

Deadline: Rolling selection process. First round application closing date: May 6 2013. Second round closing date: July 1 2013
Stipend: £13,726 per annum
Start date: October 2013

This MRC funded project provides students with cutting-edge research opportunities in Medical Research. Projects will align with MRC strategic priorities, www.mrc.ac.uk

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a blood cancer driven by the constitutively active oncoprotein BCR-ABL. Although current therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs) very successfully inhibit the activity of BCR-ABL and induce apoptosis in the majority of CML cells, a small population of primitive CML stem cells evades therapy and persists to re-seed the disease upon cessation of treatment. This small TKI-resistant population must be targeted to improve therapy and ultimately eradicate the disease. We have multiple datasets that describe CML biology in terms of transcriptomic (including microRNA), proteomic and epigenetic differences. By augmenting these data with transcriptomic profiles of CML stem cells resistant to TKI therapy, there is great potential to identify proteins and/or pathways critical to CML in the TKI persistent/resistant population.

In this multi-disciplinary project, we propose first to develop a database that describes CML biology from a transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenetic perspective. Then we aim to identify novel targets for CML therapy by interrogating this database for appropriate expression profiles. Finally, we intend to explore and extend existing statistical and machine learning methodologies to identify large-scale, inter-level regulatory mechanisms specific to the disease phenotype. By constructing the systems biology of CML, we hope to form a more holistic understanding of this disease and of stem cell cancers more widely.

Visit our website for more information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/researchopportunities/scholarshipopportunities/medicalresearchcouncil/#tabs=0

Applicant Instructions

These are 3.5-year PhD studentships and students should apply online here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/

Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK. EU nationals will have to demonstrate that they have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this can include residence whilst undertaking undergraduate study). Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree in a relevant subject. The financial package will include a 3.5 year stipend, approved University fees, Research Training Support Grant and a conference allowance.

On the Programme of Study section of the application please select “MVLS PhD” from the drop down menu. On this same page please place the project title(s) within the free text area and note the project supervisor(s).

Please ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded at point of application, for example:

- Copy of Academic and Professional qualifications
- CV (including letter of application/personal statement)
- 2 x references

Further supporting documents are requested on the online applications system, and should be uploaded where relevant. General enquiries regarding the programme and application procedure should be directed to Alexis Merry: [Email Address Removed]