PhD Studentship: The Role of Gut Microbiota in Regulating Tumour Cell Metabolism and Malignant Progression

We are inviting applicants for the PhD position in ‘The role of gut microbiota in regulating tumour cell metabolism and malignant progression’. This is a prestigious studentship supported by the Wallscourt Foundation, a charitable organisation with historic links to UWE Bristol.

Background:  Our recently published work shows that gut microbes interact differently with benign and malignant tumour cells yet can elicit tumour-promoting effects in both.  This unique in vitro model of tumour progression allows us to study factors that can influence progression towards malignant, and therefore life-affecting, disease.

Metabolic alteration (including the “Warburg effect”) is an essential adaptive characteristic of tumour cells and recognised as one of the “Hallmarks of cancer.”  This adaptive process is necessary for tumours to progress to malignancy enabling cell survival in stress conditions where oxygen and nutrients may be more limiting. This study will determine how specific bacteria (and their metabolites) can affect the progression of colorectal cancer by altering tumour cell metabolism at both the benign and malignant stages of disease.

Project Outline:  The proposed project will entail comparing the metabolic responses of both benign and malignant colorectal tumour cells using an Agilent Seahorse analyser.  These will be assessed in response to both direct microbial infection and secreted microbial metabolites.

In order to determine the molecular mechanism of tumour cell response, activation of key metabolic regulators will be assessed using standard molecular biology techniques.

To better understand how various gut microbes may influence tumour cell behaviour, secreted microbial metabolites will be profiled using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches.  This data could allow the development of countermeasures for cancer prevention and methodologies for the early detection of tumours

The student will work with an experienced multi-disciplinary supervisory team.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email [email protected]

The studentship is available from 1st October 2024 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £18,622  per annum for the 23/24 academic year.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years for Home and Overseas applicants.

Applicants must have at least a 2:1 or equivalent degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular or Biological Science or a related discipline and ideally will have or be working towards a postgraduate, research-based qualification (or equivalent experience).

Experience of techniques involving mammalian cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology and/or metabolomics would be an advantage.

International students are required to have IELTS 7.0 or above.

Please submit your application online . Use the reference number 2425-OCT-CHSS-03   

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted. 

The closing date for applications is 31st May 2024.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 17th June 2024.