MSc by Research: Investigating the tumor suppressor functions of chromatin remodelling

About the Project

One of the unanticipated outcomes of population based genome sequencing has been the finding that genes involved in the regulation of many genes are mutated at high frequency in tissue specific cancers. This is the case for SWI/SNF –related chromatin remodelling enzymes which are mutated in about 20% of all tumors and at higher frequencies in cancers of specific tissues. To understand how these genes function we have engineered cell lines in which specific subunits of these enzymes can be degraded rapidly and specifically. In this project, chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA sequencing will be used to gain insight into how these complexes function. In the long run characterising these pathways will provide new routes for the development of cancer therapies.

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.