Unravelling the oncogenic activities of serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1)

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is a master regulator of numerous cellular phenotypes associated with cancer including cell survival, proliferation, growth, altered metabolism and malignant transformation. Deregulation of the PI3K pathway is implicated in virtually all human cancers and the pathway has been aggressively targeted for cancer therapy. Although most work has focused on the Akt kinase family as major downstream effectors of PI3K, the closely related serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK) family of serine/threonine kinases has by comparison received little attention.

Recently, SGK1 has been shown to play a critical role in driving the expansion of tumour cells and promoting resistance to conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenic activities of SGK1 are poorly characterised. In this project, we will identify SGK1 substrates and interacting proteins using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) method. Students will gain experience in mammalian cell culture and proteomics (mass spectrometry) techniques. Targets identified in the BioID screen will be validated using a variety of biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

The Brown laboratory investigates mechanisms that drive resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents in breast cancer.
This knowledge is applied to the pre-clinical development of novel and more effective interventions for breast cancer therapy.
https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/kristin-brown

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, and home to the largest cancer research group in Australia. Cancer is a complex set of diseases, and modern cancer research institutes such as Peter Mac conduct research covering a diversity of topics that range from laboratory-based studies into the fundamental mechanisms of cell growth, translational studies that seek more accurate cancer diagnosis, clinical trials with novel treatments, and research aimed to improve supportive care.
https://www.petermac.org/education/research-education

All students engaged in postgraduate studies at Peter Mac are enrolled in the Comprehensive Cancer PhD (CCPhD) program, regardless of which university they are enrolled through. The program is managed by the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology (The University of Melbourne), based at Peter Mac.

The Comprehensive Cancer PhD program builds on established conventional training for cancer research students providing a coordinated program of skills, research and career training in addition to usual PhD activities. The program is designed to complement existing PhD activities and provides opportunities to develop professional skills that will help candidates to fulfil their career ambitions.
https://www.petermac.org/education/comprehensive-cancer-phd-program