Prof Giovanna Bermano, Dr G Barron
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Academic supervisors: Dr Giovanna Bermano, Dr Gemma Barron, Professor Alan Diamond (University of Illinois at Chicago, USA) and Professor John Hesketh
Chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs remains the most frequently used approach for cancer treatment. However, as there is considerable variation in the response of individual cancers of a particular type to the same therapy, it is important to identify reliable markers to predict therapeutic effectiveness and to understand the molecular mechanisms that enhance treatment efficacy and reduce drug resistance. For this purpose, the expression and variations in the genotype of selenium-containing proteins or selenoproteins, may be biomarkers to predict tumour response. In relation to breast cancer (BC), Professor Diamond’s group and others have shown an association between polymorphisms in selenoproteins and BC risk and levels of different selenoproteins have been correlated to advanced cancer stages and poor survival. Selenoproteins are proteins which contain the trace element selenium and, as their physiological functions include protection against DNA damage, control of protein folding, and transport of the micronutrient selenium, they may play a role in regulating response to cancer treatments. This project, which involves time at the University of Illinois in Chicago, will study selenoproteins’ genetic/environmental interactions and their effects on drug efficacy in BC cells modified to contain different selenoproteins and the mechanism(s) by which they provide such effects. The main findings will be then validated in BC clinical samples.
Potential applicants should, in the first instance, make direct contact (rather than emailing directly from this website) with the Principal supervisor, Dr Giovanna Bermano ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the project further before submitting a formal application, in which they should quote the project title in the project outline section of the on‐line form.
Funding Notes
This project is part of a competition for a Tenovus Scotland Moulton‐Barrett Research Scholarship to support a studentship at the Robert Gordon University or the University of Aberdeen for a promising new researcher, to provide training to develop the professional and personal attributes they need to compete for prestigious postdoctoral fellowships upon completion of their PhD. The successful applicant will be awarded a 4‐year studentship including full tuition fees (UK/EU rate) and a tax‐free maintenance stipend (currently £14,728). Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class Honours degree in a relevant subject and/or an excellent postgraduate qualification.