Role of CAF metabolism in ovarian cancer

High grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological disease. While initial response to treatment is promising, the majority of patients develop resistance to chemotherapy. Targeted therapies against cancerous cells are limited because only a few genetic driver mutations are recurrent1.

HGS ovarian tumours contain vast amounts of stroma, which is highly populated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play an active role in tumour progression, metastasis, and treatment response. The CAFs’ ability to secrete a plethora of soluble factors and produce aberrant extracellular matrix2-4 alter the tumour microenvironment (TME) and influence the behaviour of cancer and other stromal cells. There is increasing evidence, including on-going work in our team, that the metabolism of CAFs supports their ability to create an aberrant TME and facilitates tumour progression.

Using CAFs derived from HGS ovarian cancer patients and organotypic cultures this project aims to understand how CAF metabolism controls their ability to create an aberrant TME and promote cancer pathology.

The candidate will develop skills in primary cell cultures, heterotypic co-cultures, CAF-derived extracellular matrix production and functional assessment, state-of the art mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics (sample preparation and processing, and data analysis), MS-metabolomics and other assays to assess cell metabolism, imaging analysis.

The Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow is one of the world-leading centres for cancer research. The Institute provides an outstanding research environment, underpinned by state-of-the-art core services and advanced technologies with special emphasis on imaging, metabolomics and in vivo models of cancer.

To apply, please click on the ’Visit Website’ button, which will take you to the Beatson Institute website where you should fill in the application form. Please do not email your CV.