Unravelling alternative cancer metabolic pathways

About the Project

The surface of cancer cells is a unique environment to study, as it is the gatekeeper for the uptake of nutrients and drugs. The turn-over and organisation of proteins at the plasma membrane is an essential part of cellular regulation. Many cell surface proteins have been implicated and play a role in disease progression. Using an siRNA targeted screen for novel drug uptake mechanisms, we have identified a class of receptors enriched on the surface of cancer cells that appear to also play a role in metabolic regulation. Little is known about some of these receptors or how and why their expression is unregulated. However, clinical reports suggest that higher expression in patients leads to a poor prognosis.

Our group is highly invested in understanding their molecular and cellular biology. This project will investigate the expression, internalisation and signalling of these membrane proteins. We would like to investigate these as potential new cancer targets for drug discovery. This PhD will investigate the role of these receptors in cancer growth and progression using microscopy, cellular and molecular techniques. You will gain hands-on expertise in cutting-edge techniques, including: advanced cell microscopy at the Wolfson Light Microscopy Facuilty, using confocal and super-resolution (SIM and STORM) systems, alongside data analysis tools and expert scientific support. You will use quantitative cellular assays, and sophisticated molecular biology tools creating receptor mutants using CRISPR and knock-downs with siRNA.

We're seeking a highly motivated and curious scientist with a strong foundation in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology. If you are passionate about translational science and want your research to have a tangible impact on the fundamental science underpinning human health please contact us.

The School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield hosts ~240 PhD students and you’ll be based in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Cluster. You’ll get access to professional training opportunities designed to support your career development, including communication and technology skills that are essential in academia, and industry. Visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.

Funding Notes

Please note this is for Self-Funded students only