CaV1.3 upregulation in androgen-independent prostate cancer: investigation of the mechanisms underpinning disease progression

*FUNDING CONFIRMED*

CaV1.3 calcium ion channels are upregulated in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells and further upregulated in androgen-independent conditions. Our pilot data and the literature demonstrates increased CaV1.3 expression in many but not all patient biopsies. Given the availability of FDA-approved calcium channel blocking drugs currently used to treat hypertension, there is an opportunity to block calcium channel activity in patients whose disease shows CaV1.3 overexpression. The proposed study will examine the benefits of incorporating CaV1.3 expression into diagnostics and by examining the mechanisms of CaV1.3 in androgen-independent disease, determine whether repurposed calcium channel blocking drugs present a novel treatment.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/EnglishLanguageRequirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/