The role of exosomes in alpha particles (α-particles) radiation-induced genomic instability & potential lung Cancer induction

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences

This is a competitive 3 year Full Time PhD project

Research title - The role of exosomes in alpha particles (α-particles) radiation-induced genomic instability & potential lung Cancer induction

Director of Studies and main supervisor: Professor Munira Kadhim

Eligibility: Home UK/EU applicants only ---- (who must be permanently resident in UK/EU)

Start Date: September 2018

Value p.a.: Bursary of £14777 for Academic Year 2018/19 & fees


Description of project::

High linear energy transfer (LET) alpha-particles from naturally occurring radon gas dominate human radiation exposure and are the leading cause of lung cancer in humans after smoking. Alpha-particles induce genomic instability (resulting in increased mutation rate) and bystander effects (radiation-like effects induced in unexposed cells) that contribute to cancer development. Recent research in our lab has shown that exposure of cells/tissues to x-rays induces signal transfer through extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes. However, alpha-particles, whose energy deposition pattern and resulting biological effects differ markedly from x-rays, have not yet been studied. This project aims to: investigate exosomes released by lung epithelial cells before and after exposure to different doses and dose rates of alpha-particles, identify molecular signals encapsulated by exosomes, and model the effects induced in un-irradiated lung cells exposed to them.Techniques will include: exosome isolation/purification, analysis of exosome cargo, and functional analysis, including assessment of DNA damage/apoptosis, immune activation, cell cycle/cell population effects and cell motility. The project will establish whether exosomal cargo carries prognostic/diagnostic potential. It will facilitate a search for biomarkers of exposure to alpha particles for possible use in a test to identify those individuals at highest risk for lung cancer caused by radon exposure.

Key words: Exosomes, high LET, alpha particles, radiation, lung cancer.


For further details on the research project only please contact main supervisor, Professor Munira Kadhim, [Email Address Removed].


Applicants should be of the highest quality and capable of submitting a PhD thesis within 3 years. Applicants should have a first class or upper second class (minimum 2.1) honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or an acceptable equivalent qualification.


How to apply:

To apply, please click ’Apply’ button, which would download the application form. Please complete the form and email it to [Email Address Removed].

With application enclose a CV and scanned copy of your degree certificates and transcripts. Please also provide up to date details of two referees on the application form. Research Administrator would request references from these referees at a later stage. Additionally if appropriate, an IELTS Academic test certificate from an approved test centre:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/491093/2016-01-11_-Approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_and_Test_Centres_-_Website.pdf

Exceptionally we are prepared to consider alternative acceptable evidence of English Language ability.

With application enclose a CV and scanned copy of your degree certificates and transcripts plus two signed academic references. Additionally if appropriate an IELTS Academic test certificate from an approved test centre.

Applications only accepted by e-mail [Email Address Removed]