Targeting Kidney Cancer in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome

About the Project

This is a Self-Funded/Sponsored PhD opportunity.

FUNDING REQUIRED:

• Full UK/EU or International Tuition Fees
• UK Living Expenses
• Bench Fees (£46,000 total)

Open to all students of any nationality without restrictions (UK/EU and International)

Description:

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the folliculin (FLCN) protein, with around one-third of patients developing kidney cancer. The mechanisms linking FLCN loss to tumour formation remain unclear, and there are currently no targeted therapies for BHD-associated kidney cancers.

This project will investigate how loss of FLCN drives tumour growth in human kidney cells and explore new therapeutic strategies. The student will join an internationally recognised BHD research team led by Professor Andrew Tee and Dr Elaine Dunlop, with a strong track record in advancing BHD biology. Using unique multi-omic datasets generated in our lab, the project will explore novel nuclear functions of FLCN. Two key research directions will be pursued:

(i) determining how FLCN regulates nuclear transport processes at the nuclear pore complex, particularly under hypoxia and altered nutrient signalling; and

(ii) understanding how FLCN loss promotes cell proliferation via cell cycle dysregulation.

These studies will also assess whether clinically approved cell cycle inhibitors can suppress tumour growth in BHD models.

The project is designed to be flexible, with complementary aims that can be developed independently, providing a robust foundation for discovery. The student will gain training in a wide range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including tissue culture, tumour growth assays, protein analysis, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and qPCR. Opportunities to develop bioinformatics skills using RNA sequencing data and to present findings at international conferences will also be provided.

This PhD offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing field of cancer research, with potential impact beyond BHD to kidney cancer more broadly.

Entry Requirements

You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).

How to Apply

This studentship has a start date of October 2026. In order to be considered you must submit a formal application via Cardiff University’s online application service.

There is a box at the top right of the page labelled ‘Apply’, please ensure you select the correct ‘Qualification’ (Doctor of Philosophy), the correct ‘Mode of Study’ (Full Time) and the correct ‘Start Date’ (October 2026). This will take you to the application portal.

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:

• Supporting statement
• CV
• Qualification certificates
• References x 2
• Proof of English language (if applicable)