Computational and Functional Comprehensive Analysis of Natural Variants of GPCRs towards a personalized medicine approach

About the Project

This project investigates the impact of natural genetic variations on a specific G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), focusing on its structure, function, and drug interactions. The goal is to contribute to personalized medicine approaches. The project begins with comprehensive data collection, compiling natural GPCR variants from pharmacogenomics databases and literature. You will then perform structural analysis by mapping these variants onto 3D receptor structures and analysing their potential impacts. Using bioinformatics tools, you'll predict the functional effects of these variants on the receptor.

Throughout the project, you'll integrate your computational predictions with existing clinical data from literature. Selected variants will be experimentally validated through mutagenesis and cell-based functional assays.

Throughout this process, you'll develop a diverse skill set including cutting-edge computational approaches like data mining, molecular dynamics simulations, and cheminformatics. You'll also gain experience with state-of-the-art functional assays, bioinformatics, structural biology analysis, literature review, and data integration. This interdisciplinary work will enhance understanding of how genetic variations influence drug responses in GPCRs, potentially informing future personalized medicine strategies. The project bridges the gap between computational predictions and biological reality, providing you with a well-rounded experience applicable to drug design research in both academia and industry.

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

Keywords for search filters

Molecular modelling, pharmacology, drug design, functional assays

Training provided through the research project

The student will learn cutting-edge computational approaches in data collection, mining, and analysis at the interface of chemistry and biology as well as state-of-the art functional assays, facilitating skills development in drug design research applicable in academia and industry.

Expected impact activities

This project strongly aligns with the ‘Life and Health Sciences’ cluster as it will contribute to the design of a novel class of drugs with increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects for a wide range of diseases such as inflammation, infertility, metabolic and neurological disorders, viral infections and cancer.

Funding Notes

This project is not funded; applications are welcome from self-funding candidates.