Dr J Fraser, Dr A Poole
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in the UK. Resistance to treatment is a major problem in prostate cancer management. One of the most lethal forms of treatment resistant prostate cancer is neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), with ~7 month survival. Despite the frequency and severity of NEPC, the molecular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression to NEPC are poorly distinguished and there are fundamental gaps in our understanding of its evolution.
NEPC is characterised by a dramatic increase in the prevalence of neuroendocrine cells; cells which resemble neurons and express neuronal markers. Several powerful mechanisms regulate the expression of neuronal genes, including the transcriptional regulators, REST and ASCL1. We believe these may be major drivers of the lethal NEPC phenotype. Better understanding the link between androgen receptor signalling and these powerful regulators during NEPC evolution will significantly enhance our understanding of NEPC development and aid the identification of new molecular targets to manage its treatment.
This project will use an in vitro model of prostate cancer and employ a range of techniques including, mammalian cell culture, transient transfection, siRNA gene knockdown, immunoblotting, qRT-PCR and confocal microscopy.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in biomedical sciences or equivalent discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of cancer cell biology, cell communication and molecular biology associated techniques.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental GLP, record keeping, troubleshooting, data handling and presentation skills
• Competent in basic laboratory skills
• Knowledge of cancer cell biology and analytical techniques
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Prior laboratory experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology is desirable.
Funding Notes
This is a funded studentship. The successful candidate will receive a standard Edinburgh Napier studentship which includes payment of the Home/EU level of full-time fees for three academic years, plus 36 monthly stipend payments at the prevailing rate set by the Research Councils. Overseas candidates are welcome to apply, but will be expected to pay the difference between Home/EU and Overseas fees.
The studentship will commence on 1st March 2019.
References
Marker P., Donjacour A., Dahiya R., Cunha G., (2003) Hormonal, cellular, and molecular control of prostatic development. Dev Biol. 253(2):165-74.
Chang Y., et al., (2017) REST is a crucial regulator for acquiring EMT-like and stemness phenotypes in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Sci. Reps. 7:42795.
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