Modulation of alternative splicing regulators during epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in tumour progression (Self Funded)

Project Information:
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), one of the hallmarks of cancer, is a biological process involving a functional transition of polarized epithelial cells into mobile mesenchymal cells. This process is regulated at many levels, including alternative splicing. Epithelial splicing regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1 and 2) are cell-type-specific regulators of transcripts that switch splicing during the EMT. Previous studies established ESRPs as master regulators of EMT and underlie EMT during tumour progression. Data from our laboratory shows that these regulators are important in prostate cancer progression. Also, a screen performed in our lab using splicing reporters has revealed a series of compounds named LLSOs that are able to modulate EMT.

The purpose of this PhD is to further elucidate the roles of ESRPs in prostate cancer progression, to understand mechanistically how LLSOs work and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer based on modulation of splicing.

Entry requirements:
You should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in health or biosciences. Experience in molecular biology is desirable.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests. More information available here: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/