Development of novel Silanediol HDAC inhibitors for cancer treatment

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROJECT IS FOR SELF-FUNDED STUDENTS.

Applications are invited from Graduates in Chemistry, Pharmacy and Medicinal Chemistry Master’s level programs to join our group within the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health. The project encompasses the synthesis and biological screening of a novel group of new protease inhibitors for the treatment of cancers.

Histone Deacetylase enzymes are zinc dependent metalloproteases which are involved in chromatin remodeling and gene expression by acetyl cleavage from histone lysine residues. It is a promising target for inhibitors as hyper-acetylation leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells. Therefore, our project will involve the following a. combinatorial synthesis of a library of diverse structural silanediol analogues; b. iterative testing of the compound library will be undertaken in-house and international biology partners to elucidate the biological activity and aid the design of more potent analogues. You will undertake the synthesis and in-house testing of these compounds in our world leading facilities here at Durham, where you will have access to state of the art laboratories and analytical equipment.

Potential candidates will require a strong background in chemical synthesis, with background knowledge of microbiological techniques and protein purification being advantageous.

Successful candidates will be encouraged to participate in national and international conferences on cancer.