The role of metabolic stresses in tumour suppression elicited by oncogene activation

Activation of pro-proliferative oncogenes (e.g. MYC, RAS) leads to increased demand for metabolites and energy to support their biosynthetic drive. The resulting changes in cell metabolism provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. The goal of this project is to understand alterations in cell metabolism that occur upon oncogene activation and to target altered metabolic pathways in order to generate metabolic stresses and thereby elicit tumour suppressive responses. In particular, we have identified novel aspects of lipid metabolism involved in activation of the p53 pathway and senescence responses (Pantazi et al. 2019 Aging Cell; Edwards-Hicks et al. in revision) and we wish to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. The successful candidate will employ cutting edge mass spectrometry-based metabolic and lipidomic analyses in combination with pharmacological and genetic approaches (e.g. CRISPR, RNAi, overexpression etc.) in order to understand the mechanisms by which cells detect and respond to metabolic stresses.

A graduate with an interest in cancer cell biology/cancer metabolism, with (or expecting) at least an upper second class honours degree in a relevant biological/biochemical subject, is required for this project to study metabolic stresses elicited by oncogene activation. An MSc/MRes, or laboratory experience, in a relevant area may well prove advantageous. The project will commence ideally in early 2020 and has funding for 3 years from Barts Health. The student will be based primarily at the Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), Charterhouse Square in the City of London.