PhD Studentship: Investigating the Mechanisms of Action of Intracellular Anaerobic Pathogens on Human Host Cancer Cell Metabolic Networks

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and ~307,000 men die every year. We know that infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, are involved in the development of a variety of cancers such as cervical, stomach, and bladder cancer. The causes of PCa and the development of advanced disease remains obscure, but there is good evidence that infectious agents could be one cause.

In this project you will examine how bacteria effect prostate cancer cells through metabolic networks. You will perform computational analyses to reveal potential mechanisms of action and generate genome-scale metabolic models of bacteria and human cancer cell interactions. You will perform experiments to determine the metabolomic profiles linked with prostate cancer in cells and human prostate tissue explants, and you will investigate expression profile changes in bacteria and human tissue using RNAseq.

This research has the potential to reveal how bacteria causes prostate cancer to develop and reveal new treatment possibilities to prevent or halt aggressive cancer.

This is a combined bioinformatics and lab experiment-based PhD. As part of the MMB-DTP you will be able to take advantage in extensive training in microbial bioinformatics, lab skills for sequencing and molecular microbiology. During the PhD you will also gain skills in cancer biology, human ‘omics, Big Data, high performance computing, and statistical analyses. You will also be able to experience being involved in international consortiums.

You will be part of the Norwich Medical School Cancer Genetics team, which is an interdisciplinary team comprising a mixture of bioinformaticians, lab-based scientists, and clinicians. We have a broad interest in translational cancer based molecular studies with the aim of improving patient care. Research includes bacteria in cancer studies, urine-based biomarker development, whole genome sequencing studies, and cancer-subtype detection.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2023 and offers the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project funded by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All students will undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15 February or Tuesday 16 February 2023.

The MRC DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year studentship including:

• Maintenance stipend according to the MRC stipend scale
• University tuition fee payment
• Research and training costs

Studentship funding does not normally cover costs associated with visa or health surcharges or additional costs associated with entry to, and living in, the UK.