Semaphorins are a family of molecules that signal by attaching to their cell surface receptors. Initially identified for their critical role in brain development, Semaphorins are now recognised as key players in diverse processes including immune responses, blood vessel formation and cancer invasion. Notably, certain semaphorins are overexpressed in aggressive forms of brain cancer including glioblastomas, a form of the disease with an especially poor prognosis. Deregulated semaphorin signalling drives tumour invasion in brain cancer and the expression levels of these some semaphorins is strongly positively associated with poor disease prognosis.
This PhD project aims to understand how release of Semaphorins from the cell surface by enzymes called proteases alters the behaviour of glioblastoma cells, or ‘conditions’ the cells within the tumour microenvironment to support/ignore tumour invasion. We want to identify which semaphorins are subject to proteolysis and to define which proteases cleave them within the context of glioblastoma. We also want to understand how cleavage of semaphorins alters the responses of the tumour cells to affect their malignant properties. Finally, we want to understand whether and how the proteolysis of semaphorins undermines the treatment of glioblastoma by a key clinical anticancer drug used to treat this intractable disease.
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 Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Continue with Facebook
