Integrating c-Met molecular imaging into the optimization of cancer therapy

The emerging clinical studies that combine the use of c-Met and anti-ErbB/HER TKIs in cancer patients, are based on the synergy between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF: which targets its cognate receptor c-Met). This proposal aims to [i] elucidate the molecular mechanisms for this synergy by imaging the proximity and stoichiometry of interactions between these receptors; [ii] monitor the changes of receptor tyrosine kinase activity in response to TKIs, on the basis of a novel fluorescence lifetime-based biosensor (see Carlin et al Science Signalling doi 2001729 for the technology), in cancer cells/tissues from these in vivo models.

The PhD student will be based at the Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/biohealth/research/divisions/randall/sections/cell/ng/ngtony.aspx). Some of the work will also be carried out at the GE site in Amersham is equipped with state -of -the -art micro-PET and micro-SPECT hardware, as well as facilities for radiochemistry, immunohistochemistry and biodistribution studies. The PhD will be awarded by the Division of Cancer Studies at King’s College London. Training will be delivered by Professor Tony Ng and the members of the Research Group/Comprehensive Cancer Imaging Centre (led by Professor Ng) (http://www.cancerimagingcentre.org.uk); and will include major aspects of molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and advanced optical imaging (in cells and in vivo).