*Application closing date has been extended for this project*
Our team is interested in mechanisms of epigenetic regulated in stem cells and cancer. In this PhD project, we will use state-of-the-art genomics and proteomics approaches combined with in vitro cultured organoid models, to provide a better understanding of the role of USP7 in cancer stem cells.
Our team is interested in mechanisms of epigenetic regulated in stem cells and how these mechanisms are deregulation in pathophysiological conditions such as cancer.
In this PhD project, we will use state-of-the-art genomics and proteomics approaches combined with in vitro cultured stem cell models, such as organoids, to provide a better understanding of the role of USP7 in cancer stem cells. The USP7 protease has emerged as a key target in cancer therapy. USP7 removes the ubiquitin group from target proteins and leads to protein stabilization. One of the main targets of USP7 is the P53 tumour suppressor gene and USP7 inhibition can lead to p53 stabilization, and consequently to tumour growth suppression and cell death. However, targeting the P53-mutant tumours by the USP7-inhibitor has been a major challenge. Our work revealed a new mechanism of epigenetic regulation downstream of USP7 that is independent of p53 function in cancer. In this project, we will further investigate this mechanism as a novel therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
The candidate PhD student will receive training in multi-disciplinary approaches combining genome-wide technologies, stem cell biology (including organoid culture) and various molecular biology techniques. The PhD candidate will also gain experience in computational biology for analysis of genome wide data.
Funding eligibility: ROI (and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled) status may be eligible for funding. Please review the DfE T&C’s.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must hold or expect to get an upper second class honours degree from a university in the UK or Ireland, or qualifications and experience considered by the University as equivalent to that standard. Candidates who already hold a doctoral degree, or who have registered on a PhD for one year (or part-time equivalent) or not eligible.
English Language
Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.
The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
· IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
· TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
· A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
· A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
· A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.
For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English
INTO Queen’s English Language Courses offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/University-Preparation-Courses/INTOEnglishlanguagecoursesatQueens/
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