Uncovering the links between the environmental sensor, AHR, and the development of breast cancer

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25. This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas, which are Structural Biology, Cancer and Cell Biology. 

Cancer initiates and develops through a complex and intricate sequence of biological events, including cellular metabolic reprogramming, response to host immune activities, occurrence of specific DNA mutations and changes in microenvironment composition. We found that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of many genes at the interface of metabolic alterations, immune system functions and adaptation to environmental clues, including exposure to chemicals, reactive oxygen species and chemotherapeutics (Gorrini et al. 2013, Kubli et al. 2019). Due to its diverse pro-survival functions, AhR has been found to be overexpressed in many cancer types, thereby representing an attractive therapeutic target to hijack multiple cancer dependencies at once. This project aims at gaining novel insights into AhR regulation in cancer, by combining structural biology with cellular and animal technologies.

We are particularly interested in two functions of AhR: 1) its ability to respond to changes in cellular redox homeostasis, either due to cancer metabolic alterations or chemotherapy treatments and 2) its capacity to promote evasion of cancer cells from the immune system. To address these aims, we will complement our molecular and cellular systems with a newly designed mouse model, expressing a “trackable” form of AhR. By measuring the presence of a fluorescent tag, we will identify and quantify where and why AhR is expressed in specific conditions. In conclusion, this project has the potential to shed light on the tumor-promoting role of AhR, with the goal to develop tailored inhibitors for anti-cancer therapies. 

Eligibility

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 87 with the listening and reading element no less than 20, writing element no less than 21 and the speaking element no less than 22. 

How to apply

To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)
• Evidence of funding

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:

e: [Email Address Removed]