The evolutionarily conserved proteins referred to as caspases have been studied over the years for being the major regulators of cell death via apoptosis. However, our most recent investigations have highlighted their ability to modulate basic cellular functions without causing cell death. Remarkably, these novel non-apoptotic roles can also affect the growth of tumours and the interaction between tumour-associated immune cells with transformed cells (please see references cited below). However, our understanding of these caspase roles is very limited from a molecular perspective. Addressing this question is crucial to know how caspases contribute to the expansion of tumour cells and influence the immune response in the tumour microenvironment. This knowledge could be also highly relevant to develop efficient therapeutic approaches based on caspase-modulating molecules against tumours. This project aims to investigate these fundamental biological problems and uncover new regulators of caspase activity by combining innovative biochemical and cell-based approaches, high-resolution imaging (confocal microscopy and super-resolution), advanced genome engineering (CRISPR-Cas9), and molecular cloning. The project will be developed using Drosophila cellular models and mammalian cell lines. The experimental work will be done within a friendly and multicultural team where everybody receives help and support from others. The prospective student will be primarily supervised by Luis Alberto Baena-Lopez, with Jordan Raff acting as co-supervisor. The project will be performed in one of the most prestigious research institutions in the world (The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford). Collectively, these factors ensure a unique environment to complete an enjoyable and successful DPhil.
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