About the Project
Supervisors: Professor Tony Bjourson & Professor Denis Alexander
Project Description
Multiple myeloma (MM), is an incurable haematological malignancy of end stage B lineage cells, or plasma cells (1). It has an incidence of approximately 65 new cases per million of the population per annum. Overall survivals have improved recently from a median of 3–4 years to 5–7 years, although upwards of 25% of patients survive for less than 24 months. There is an urgent need to improve understanding of the biology of the disorder and identify biomarkers to enable prediction of disease progression, and responsiveness to specific treatments (1-3).
Most previous studies have used cell lines, or single patient samples only allowing a snapshot at one time-point. This is a longitudinal study with serial sampling which will facilitate analyses of tumour cells from presentation/diagnosis through to the almost inevitable relapse and development of drug resistance in terminal stages. Objectives include:
1. To verify our earlier findings that MDR SNPs contribute to multidrug resistance and poorer outcomes, using a larger cohort of patients.
2. To test the hypothesis that somatic hypermutation of IGHV genes has taken place in the tumour cells following antigen presentation and class switching (demonstrated by <98% homology with germline).
3. To determine if commonality of IGHV gene usage is seen in MM, as we and others have reported in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
4. To perform NGS, GEP and iFISH on serial samples, to identify and monitor changes in genetic aberrations present at diagnosis and occurring during disease progression. Such analyses should allow identification of key pathways involved in proliferation, survival and drug resistance.
5. To perform miRNA analyses in PB, using a targeted approach. This is particularly pertinent as miRNAs are likely to have a significant role in novel treatments within the next few years.
References and additional links:
(1) Egan P et al (2016). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21;17(10).
(2) Drain, S et al (2011). Leukemia Research, 35 (11). pp. 1457-1463.
(3) Drain, S et al (2012). Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry, 2012 Jul;82(4):229-37.
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
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