Dr E Taylor, Dr H Lindsay
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
DNA replication stress promotes genome instability and is regarded as a key driver of cancer progression. Since cancer cells generally experience high levels of replication stress (RS), they become heavily reliant on RS tolerance pathways for their continued survival. Consequently, there is considerable interest in developing therapeutic strategies that target the RS tolerance response and allow selective elimination of malignant cells1. Our interests lie in understanding how cells are able to tolerate replication stress in order to support tumour growth, with a view to identifying potential therapeutic targets.
The aim of this studentship is to explore the role of ubiquitin modification in RS tolerance. Using CRISPR genome editing, we have generated human cell lines in which the activity of a specific ubiquitin ligase, involved in genome maintenance and RS tolerance, has been disrupted. During this project you will perform a detailed characterisation of these mutant cell lines, using a variety of established cell biological and biochemical assays, to shed light on the involvement of this ubiquitin ligase in cancer development and to identify its ubiquitin modification targets. By focusing on the post-translational modification activities of this key protein of interest we aim to identify novel targets with therapeutic potential as well as providing important insights into cancer aetiology.
Applications are made by completing an application for PhD Medicine October 2018 through our online application system. Closing date: midnight 28th February 2018.
Funding Notes
Applications are made by completing an application for PhD Medicine October 2018 through our online application system. Closing date: midnight 28th February 2018.
References
1. Taylor, EM and Lindsay HD (2016) DNA replication stress and cancer: cause or cure? Future Oncology 12,2, p221-37