Proteomic analyses of adhesion signalling in cancer

Why adhesion? Cell surface adhesion receptors play key roles in the control of cell movement, survival, division and differentiation. By studying how adhesion receptors signal, it will be possible to understand how cell fate is controlled. The main research interests of the lab are in the signals that link cell adhesion to the cell cycle and in the mechanisms that cancer cells use to subvert this control. Although it has been known for many decades that proliferation is anchorage-dependent, and that tumour cells often lose this property, the mechanisms are unclear. We now aim to determine how cells sense the adhesive microenvironment and how this either prevents or encourages proliferation.

What don’t we understand? Following binding to extracellular matrix ligands, adhesion receptors trigger the assembly of multi-protein complexes on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane. These complexes contain signalling molecules and cytoskeletal proteins, and their role is to control the location of signalling pathways and provide a physical link to the contractile actomyosin polymer network. The identity of the molecules that transduce signals, the mechanisms of complex assembly and disassembly, the stoichiometry of complex components, the key control points, and the extent of variation between complexes in different cells are not known.

How to get answers to these questions? Recently, we have developed the first methodologies for employing mass spectrometric analyses (both proteins and phosphoproteins) of isolated adhesion complexes to define the adhesion receptor-associated proteome. These techniques allow an unbiased approach to studying adhesion signalling. This project will therefore explore one of the following areas: (a) the identity of the links between adhesion receptors and the cell cycle machinery that are responsible for cell rounding during mitosis, (b) the cell cycle-dependent changes that take place in adhesion complexes [both using proteomic, bioinformatic, biochemical (e.g. IP-blotting and phosphorylation analysis) and/or cell biological approaches (e.g. fluorescence imaging)], and (c) the mechanisms whereby extracellular matrix rigidity is converted into signals that control cell proliferation and tumour evolution. Candidates will then be validated by a combination of biochemical (e.g. using IP-blotting and phosphorylation analysis) and/or cell biological approaches (e.g. using fluorescence imaging).

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. 

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. 

How to Apply

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title.

For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/