Dr C Francavilla, Prof Robert Clarke
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Despite recent advances in breast cancer (BC) molecular subtyping and treatment strategies, BC is the second highest cause of cancer-related death amongst women in developed countries. Cellular and molecular processes underlying the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer, at the primary site and in the metastatic niche, still remain poorly understood. Whereas the genomic landscape underpinning BC metastases is an active area of BC research (i.e. AACR project GENIE Consortium, 2017), little is known about the functional (phospho) proteome of different BC molecular subtypes in different metastatic sites. Knowledge of the functional BC (phospho) proteome will offer novel opportunities for drug development in BC and precision oncology.
This project aims at identifying a BC “metastatic predictive signature” in patient-derived samples, taking into consideration both BC molecular subtypes and metastasis to different organs. A comprehensive approach, which combines quantitative mass spectrometry-based (phospho) proteomics, bioinformatics analysis, experiments in animal models, and functional assays in BC cells, will be used:
1. To predict the metastatic potential of BC from the (phospho) proteomic-based analysis of signaling networks of patient-derived primary tumours and liquid biopsies.
2. To uncover signatures of metastasis dissemination to different organs in vivo.
3. To functionally and biochemically characterize novel signatures of BC metastasis identified in aims 1-2.
This project provides a unique opportunity for the student to acquire knowledge in a wide range of cutting- edge technologies related to translational cancer research and to become familiar with several research areas related to BC, supporting the student’s intellectual development in different directions.
Uncovering BC “metastatic signatures” will improve our understanding of the molecular landscape of BC metastasis; and may provide novel candidates to be used as biomarkers for early detection of BC metastasis or for future personalized drug development.
For more information about this PhD scheme please visit http://www.crukcentre.manchester.ac.uk/Training/PhD-Training-Scheme
Funding Notes
The Studentship will cover an annual stipend (currently at £19,000 per annum), running expenses and PhD tuition fees at UK/EU rates. Where international student fees are payable, please provide evidence with your application of how the shortfall will be covered (approximately £16,000 per annum).
Candidates must hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second class (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in relevant subject. A related master's degree would be an advantage.
To apply please visit http://www.crukcentre.manchester.ac.uk/Training/PhD-Training-Scheme/Application-Process-and-Important-Dates
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