Gene expression patterns typically change in cancer. This includes the important gene expression step called splicing that is important in healthy cells, but can also change gene function and drive cancer progression. Splicing is controlled by nuclear RNA binding proteins. We recently found a protein that controls splicing is upregulated in prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men.
We predict that the gene expression pathways controlled by this RNA binding protein are important for the growth of prostate tumours and the metastatic processes by which they spread to other parts of the body. This studentship will test this using genome engineering. We will use immunofluorescence to monitor effects on protein expression/localisation and cytoskeletal organisation. We will measure rates of cell proliferation, and use RNAseq analysis/bioinformatics to monitor global patterns of gene expression. We will use both 2D culture and innovative 3D organoid models of prostate cancer and mouse models (to assess tumour growth and metastasis), and carry out immunohistochemistry of prostate cancer sections. A panel of novel molecular probes (developed with our industry partner) will be tested to detect mRNAs controlled by this RNA binding protein in cultured cells and fixed tissues from patients. All assays are already established in our labs.
This project is a collaboration between the labs of David Elliott at Newcastle University who specialises in gene expression in cancer (https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/davidelliott.html), Penny Ottewell at Sheffield University who specialises in near human models of prostate cancer, and particularly how cells metastasise (https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/academic/clinical-medicine/penelope-d-ottewell) and Jennifer Munkley at Newcastle University who specialises in prostate cancer (https://munkleylab.co.uk/our-team). We will be collaborating with the biotech company Nanovery (https://nanovery.co.uk/).
To discuss the project please contact David Elliott.
iCASE partner website: https://nanovery.co.uk/
Institutional entry requirements for PhD:
For entry into this PhD programme you should hold, or expect to hold, an honours degree in a related subject area with a 2:1 or first-class honours (or overseas equivalent).
For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each component, or equivalent will be required unless exemptions apply.
Please see the University of Newcastle website for full details:
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/8300f-77/
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/international/language/#T3ZlcnZpZXc=
How to apply:
All applications are made via the application form accessed on the DiMeN website at www.dimen.org.uk
Please read the full application guidance on the website before submitting an application.
Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:
This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.
We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.
Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond.
Further information on the programme and instructions on how to apply, including a link to the application portal, can be found on our website