Elucidating the signalling pathways important for antibody production and secretion in CHO cells

Constitutive secretion is a fundamental cellular process required for the delivery of newly synthesised proteins and lipids to the cell surface as well as the exocytosis of physiologically important molecules such as antibodies, cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins. This pathway is conserved in all cell types and underpins biomanufacturing in CHO cells so has significant financial importance. Constitutive secretion has been extensively studied over the last 40 years so we have a good understanding of the molecular machinery that acts on this pathway. However, it is not well understood how this machinery is coordinated and regulated by extracellular signals. The overarching aims of this project are to: 1) identify which extracellular signals regulate antibody production and secretion; 2) determine how these signalling pathways change during antibody production in CHO cells and 3) manipulate these pathways to enhance antibody production and performance of CHO cells. This project will provide training in advanced mass-spectrometry and state of the art, high-throughput, automated systems for cell culture and phenotypic analysis at GSK.

This project is a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and GSK Biopharmaceutical Process Research, Stevenage so the student will spend a significant period of time based with the company. Candidates should have a strong academic degree in biological sciences. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, work effectively in a team setting and be interested in cell biology, signalling and biomanufacturing. This studentship is available starting October 2020 and is a 4 year BBSRC-funded Industrial CASE PhD studentship. Applicant eligibility criteria for the studentship can be found at www.bbsrc.ac.uk/documents/studentship-eligibility-pdf/ and you must identify that you fit these criteria prior to application.

For an informal discussion regarding the post, please contact:
Dr Andrew Peden ([Email Address Removed])
Dr Daniele Perna ([Email Address Removed])

Science Graduate School
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience the breadth of technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.