Designing mechanism-based cancer therapies

Tumours deploy a multitude of molecular stratagems to evade the effects of drugs. In particular, oncogenic factors such as RAS are frequently amplified or mutated in cancer cells. Deregulation of these major signalling pathways confers pro-tumour properties that lead to disease progression or relapse.

We recently discovered that the expression of certain RAS regulators in cancer cells can induce drug resistance. Notably, this feature is pharmacologically reversible, highlighting the prospect of cancer-specific treatment strategies that may spare normal cells.

This PhD project will investigate the fundamental mechanisms of RAS regulators in the context of therapeutic implications. The goal is to gain details that can help design more selective and effective cancer therapies. Key laboratory techniques for the project include biochemical assays, omics profiling, and imaging. The student will have the opportunity to take an integrative research approach by combining data analyses from in silico, in vitro and in vivo experimental models, as well as collaborate with other biomedical scientists and clinicians. In addition to excellent research facilities and supportive colleagues, the student will have access to a wide range of talks, courses and activities organised across the University.

We encourage applications from motivated and industrious individuals who are capable of thinking and working independently in the laboratory.