Understanding cellular signaling networks via protein-conjugated chemical tools

Proteins form spatially organized, dynamic complexes in cells, giving rise to signaling networks essential for maintaining cellular function. In this project, you will develop new tools for directly labelling proteins in their native cellular environment. Our approach uses Affimers (small antibody alternatives) to direct the transfer of labels from a chemical tool to a target protein. You will design and synthesise tools that exploit different transfer chemistries and labels, and express and purify Affimers that bind target proteins implicated in cancer. This toolset will be used to track proteins via live cell and super-resolution imaging, and to tag proteins and their interacting partners for isolation and analysis by proteomics. You will apply this platform to analyze proteins central to signaling networks that are dysregulated in cancer.
For this interdisciplinary project, you will join an ongoing collaboration of three groups with expertise in chemical biology (Dr Wright), protein engineering (Dr Tomlinson) and super-resolution imaging (Prof. Peckham). This project would ideally suit a candidate with synthetic chemistry skills and a strong interest in applying chemistry to biological problems.