Angiogenesis is a biological process by which new capillaries are formed from pre-existing vessels. It is well established that brain tumour growth depends on angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenic therapies directed against the tumour vasculature should deprive the tumour of oxygen and nutrients and therefore represent a powerful adjuvant to traditional therapy. Therapeutic approaches aimed to avoid the binding of pro-angiogenic factor VEGF to its receptor have therefore attracted considerable attention. However, although current anti-VEGF therapies lead to an initial reduction in the size of the tumour, this progression free period is transient and inevitably followed by a second phase of massive regrowth. Recent findings indicate that anti-VEGF evasion is associated to revascularisation of the tumour and to a strong increase in the invasiveness of the tumoral cells, but the molecules implicated in this process are not known yet.
This project aims to identify molecular targets implicated in anti-VEGF evasion in glioblastoma patients.
The PhD project will involve in vitro culture of glioblastoma cells derived from patients. These cultures will be characterised using molecular and cellular biology techniques including qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The response of patient-derived cells to anti-VEGF treatments will be analysed using cutting-edge -omics approaches, such as RNA-seq and proteomics.
The successful candidate will be extensively trained in these techniques as well as in improving presentation skills by participating in weekly laboratory meetings, internal student seminar series and presenting data in relevant conferences in the field.
For further information regarding the project or an informal discussion please contact Director of Studies, Prof Angel Armesilla [Email Address Removed]
Applications
To apply for the PhD Research Studentship applicants must hold a first class/distinction at Master and/or Bachelor level of study.
Applications to include one identified project, a full CV (including 2 referee names and contact details), transcripts and a letter of application outlining the motivation for applying (maximum of 2 pages). Applicants from outside UK must provide evidence of English Language requirement as stated in https://www.wlv.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/
Application submission deadline is 10:00am BST 19 June 2023 to [Email Address Removed]
A shortlist of candidates will be prepared from the pool of applicants, in line with Faculty of Science and Engineering Post Graduate Research (PGR) studentship selection criteria, who will be invited to attend an interview with a panel of academic staff, week commencing 26 June 2023.
Following this process all successful candidates will be notified to enrol in July 2023 on a PhD degree programme. The studentship award will include tuition fees at home level for the first three years of full-time study including any write-up period fees and research support fees.
For further information on fees https://www.wlv.ac.uk/apply/funding-costs-fees-and-support/fees-and-costs/research-fees/
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to individual Director of Studies mentioned above.
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