Examining the role of ADAMs family in the tumour microenvironment

The spread of cancer cells to local and distant sites depends on a complex and poorly understood interplay between malignant cells and the tumour microenvironment. The most abundant cell type of the tumour microenvironment is the fibroblast. Fibroblasts are altered by factors such as extracellular vesicles (EV) produced by cancer cells and other cells to become cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) that are supportive of tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Efforts to develop new treatments targeting the tumour microenvironment are hampered by a poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of CAF.

ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase) are present on the cell surface and in EV and exert an array of biological effects by cleaving transmembrane proteins and thereby regulating cell signalling cascades. This includes the release of membrane-bound growth factor precursors to activate growth factor receptors, or direct activation of receptors through proteolysis. In this project we will use a range of cutting edge molecular and cell biology techniques, both in culture and in vivo, to examine the role that both cell and EV-associated ADAMs play in the tumour microenvironment.

This project will generate novel data about the role of ADAMs and EV in the tumour microenvironment and may identify opportunities to therapeutically intervene in signalling mechanisms that promote tumour growth and metastasis. The research group makes the support and career development of early career researchers a priority. More information about the laboratory can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool/people/lambert_d

Enquiries:
Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Dr Dan Lambert on [Email Address Removed]

How to apply:
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select School of Clinical Dentistry as the department.