Prof Anthony Whetton, Prof Tim Somervaille
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a disease that has a poor outcome despite the fact that we know a great deal about the underlying mutations and biology. AML is a genetically diverse disease with 1 and 5 year survival rates of 37% and 19% respectively demonstrating profound unmet need as treatment has changed little in 40 years and most patients suffer relapse within 2 years. The molecular genetics of AML is well characterised and drug targets have been identified but they have had disappointing clinical impact. Despite mapping AML genomes we do not fully understand the mechanisms driving AML and the process of relapse. We have used proteomics with success to define new drug targets in myeloproliferative syndromes. Our platform has discovered new drug targets in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Polycythaemia Vera. The use of appropriate drugs against these targets had a marked effect on leukaemic primitive cells at the heart of these diseases. The studentship will take our well-rehearsed methods to now do similar experiments in relapse cases of AML using proteomics to define the molecular pathology of the disease (inclusive of transcription factors and chromatin modifications). After informatics analysis the proteins/pathways modified in AML in relapse, will be assessed as drug targets with sensitive and established drug screening approaches.
Entry Requirements
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.
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 within your application of how the shortfall will be covered (approximately £17,000 per annum).
As an equal opportunities institution we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
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