Mechanisms of cell membranes repair in health and disease

Compartmentalisation of chemical reactions and packaging of genetic material is fundamental for the healthy state of any biological cell. The confinements provided by cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes allow their contents to carry out specific tasks without the interference from other processes. For instance, deformation and rupturing of the nuclear envelope are hallmarks of carcinogenesis.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed student to study specific molecular mechanisms of nuclear envelope rupture and repair in cancer cells. You will learn to use molecular biology and biochemistry techniques to study protein-protein interactions at the molecular scale together with dual colour fluorescence microscopy imaging on live and fixed cancer cells.

Your findings will have major impact on our understanding of the wider role of cellular membranes integrity in health and disease. The knowledge generated will translate in novel approaches to diagnose and treat cancer but the chemistry developed will also impact our ability to design smart biomaterials.

If you hold a 2.1 honours masters level degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or equivalent and are interested in studying a major biochemical mechanism at the basis of life, please get in touch with Dr Ciani ([Email Address Removed]).

**This is a self-funded project**