Cell Biology/Genetics: Identifying the mechanisms controlling HPGD expression and the functional consequences of HPGD increase

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a small lipid molecule frequently elevated during inflammation and cancer through increased synthesis by cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2). This promotes the progression of disease. Although NSAIDs inhibit COX and have been beneficial for treatment of a variety of conditions, they can have substantial side effects (1). Evidence suggests this is because COX is situated at the start of the prostaglandin metabolic pathway, so its inhibition impacts on the much wider lipid signalling pathway components. The HPGD gene codes for the 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase protein, sometimes referred to as PGDH, and acts further downstream of COX. It is the key enzyme in removal of prostaglandins, and its loss causes debilitation due to the underlying proliferative changes (2). It offers an alternative therapeutic target for the reduction in PGE2 levels found in cancer and inflammation through its increased expression, and subsequent rapid PGE2 removal. By acting downstream of COX it is less likely to likely to alter the prostaglandin and wider lipid pathways. 

We have generated clonal cell lines that overexpress HPGD and caused a functional change: reduced cell migration. We have generated HPGD promoter constructs and identified potential DNA sequences that control expression. 

The project aims to:

• investigate the mechanisms by which HPGD reduces cell migration, identify if additional genes are altered in the lipid metabolism pathways. Determine which other signalling pathways are affected through increased HPGD expression 
• identify mechanisms to increase HPGD expression. 

The PhD will identify and validate the genes/proteins/DNA sequences involved in HPGD regulation and consequences of overexpression so generating an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. 

Techniques associated with project:

A range of biochemical, molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatic techniques will be used. Further transcriptome analysis is required to generate a high-throughput screen of the clonal cell lines to identify gene expression changes due to HPGD over-expression. This will involve RNA-Seq library production and bioinformatic analysis. qPCR and western blotting, for validation. Additional functional studies may require si-knockdown, manipulation and cloning of sequences for transient over-expression analysis. HPGD promoter reporter constructs will be transfected and activity quantified. Further validation will require mutagenesis/deletion of DNA sequences and functional studies of transcription factor activity.

This project is available as part of the International PhD Academy: Medical Research

Eligibility:

You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

How to apply:

Applications can be made at any time. To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Medicine, Health and Human Disease as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk