How do you sort proteins from a phagosome or macropinosome?

The engulfment of pathogens by phagocytic immune cells is key to protect the body from infection. This shares much of the same cellular machinery as the engulfment of extracellular fluid by macropinocytosis, which also helps immune cells survey for antigens, as well as enabling cancer cells to grow by feeding on extracellular proteins.

However, in the process of engulfment, cells also take up part of their own surface. This means they have to retrieve their own proteins from the vesicles formed before they get destroyed along with the captured material. Our previous work has shown that if cells cannot do this, they can no longer function properly.

The aim of this PhD project is to apply cutting-edge microscopy, genetics and biochemistry to understand the fundamental mechanisms of how cells process phagosomes and macropinosomes to retrieve membrane proteins and therefore sustain both immune and cancer cell function.

Please apply for this project using this link: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying

Funding Notes

This project is available for self-funded applicants only