Targeting protein-protein interactions in poor prognosis T-cell lymphomas

Targeting protein-protein interactions in poor prognosis T-cell lymphomas

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated student to join us for a 3.5-year MRC DTG PhD studentship. The project will be supervised jointly by Dr A. Echalier, Profs. S. Wagner and R. Bayliss in the Departments of Biochemistry and of Cancer Studies at the University of Leicester. Our groups provide an excellent environment for training and research in structural biology methods relevant to oncology-related drug discovery.

There are several sub-types of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. The majority are a type called peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) and have a very poor clinical outcome (5-year overall survival of 20%) with conventional chemotherapy. There is therefore a need for novel treatments.

We have identified an attractive target for therapy in T-cell lymphomas. It is anticipated that molecules disrupting the interaction between this target and its receptor will be an effective route to therapy for a large group of poor prognosis T-cell lymphomas. The goal of this project is to design inhibitors of this interaction and establish functional assays to monitor the effect of these compounds both in vitro and in cellulo. The feasibility of this project rests on a strong therapeutic rationale, the availability of high-resolution crystal structures of the target alone and in complex with peptides and a binding assay for inhibitor screening. This project is based on a collaboration between structural biologists, biochemists and clinicians. It is in line with two CR-UK Leicester Centre priorities, Lymphoid Malignancies led by Profs M. Dyer and S. Wagner and Personalised Medicine led by Prof R. Bayliss.

The successful candidate will be given training in all aspects of the project including structural and cellular biology. The project is based in an exciting environment bringing together clinicians and structural biologists to design novel and efficient approaches to improve prognosis for cancer patients.

Supervisor: Dr Aude Echalier
Co-supervisors: Professor Simon Wagner and Professor Richard Bayliss

13. Entry Requirements

Honours degree in biological/medical science discipline. Minimum 2:1.

Description of any entry requirements on top of the standard academic/English language requirements – e.g., professional experience, skills, attributes, etc.

Informal Enquiries

Dr Aude Echalier, Lecturer in Structural Biology of Cancer-related Targets
e: [Email Address Removed]


We are an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcome applications for Ph.D. places from women, minority ethnic and other under-represented groups.