Polysialyltransferases as a target in metastatic cancer

About the Project

Polysialic acid plays an essential role in neuronal development, but by adulthood is absent from the human body. Its biosynthesis is regulated by two polysialyltransferases. Polysialic acid is aberrantly re-expressed on the surface of many tumours, where it plays a key role in diseases progression and metastasis. It is therefore an attractive anti-cancer target [1].

The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, at the University of Bradford, is focused on the development of novel polysialyltransferase inhibitors, using computational chemistry to aid compound design. We have developed assays to assess compound inhibition [2] and have utilized tool compounds to show the potential of the approach [3]. We additionally have explored the role of polySia expression in hypoxia, a characteristic common to solid tumours [4,5]. The wider project benefits from funding from programme funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research and more recently from the Wellcome Trust. The student will join a successful, motivated multidisciplinary team with expertise in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, immunohistochemistry and drug analysis.

This project will focus on the biological evaluation of potential polysialyltransferase inhibitors, utilising in vitro assays to assess compound inhibition, and techniques to assess effects of compounds on cell adhesion, migration, and invasion.

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site. Applicants should register an account, select 'Postgraduate Research' as the course type and use the keywords 'cancer therapeutics'. Please include the project title on the Research Proposal section; applicants are not required to supply a research proposal for this project.

Informal enquiries are also welcome.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees or have access to suitable third-party funding. In addition to the university's standard tuition fees, bench fees of £10,000 per year also apply to this project.

At least 2:1 honours degree in a pharmacy, biochemistry or pharmacology-related subject. An MSc in any of these areas is an advantage.