THERADNET Marie Curie ITN: Early Stage Researcher Fellowships (ESR) – 2 YEAR PHD POSITION

The EU-funded Innovative Training Network THERADNET aims to provide a multidisciplinary and intersectorial training to 15 early stage researchers (ESRs) in the field of experimental radiation oncology. THERADNET stands for: "International NETwork for training and innovations in THErapeutic RADiation".

As a consortium of eight leading Radiobiology Laboratories in Europe, THERADNET will bring together radiation biologists, clinician scientists, clinicians and non-academic partners across Europe to investigate the plasticity of an altered tumor metabolism and tumor microenvironment, including the immune system, prior to, and in response to radiotherapy, as well as related dose-limiting adverse effects in normal tissues. The research program covers three scientific work packages addressing tumor sensitization, normal tissue protection and adaptation and escape mechanisms.

Metabolic control of radioresistance in breast cancer

Host: Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

Contact person: [email protected] .

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Breast cancer is the first type of cancer in women worldwide, and Europe has the highest rate of diagnosis. Chemoradiotherapy associated with surgery is part of standard breast cancer clinical care, but tumors can relapse, often because cancer cells acquire intrinsic chemoradioresistance. Our project aims to test the possibility that metabolic alterations are responsible for the acquired radioresistance of breast cancer cells to X-rays. Based on previous observations of our team in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells the focus will be set on mitochondria, as these organelles control DNA repair (ATP generation), cell proliferation (biosynthesis) and apoptosis (cytochrome c, superoxide and Ca2+ release). Because it is not protected by histones and has limited repair capacities, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) also potentially constitutes a main target of radiotherapy, which will be investigated together with mitochondrial turnover (mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis).

This project will identify a metabolic profile associated with radioresistance and lay the ground for antimetabolic strategies aimed to radiosensitize breast cancer cells and, potentially, other cancer types.

Applicant should send in a single PDF file (1) the annexed application form, (2) a motivation letter, (3) a complete CV with bibliography and (4) contact details of 3 supporting scientists to Prof. Pierre Sonveaux ([email protected] ).