Download Nociceptin mediated microvascular inflammation during sepsis

The University of Sheffield
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health
Department of Clinical Dentistry
Title
Primary Supervisor: Dr Stuart Hunt – [email protected]
Project: Does microsomal transfer of microRNA play a role in stromal-epithelial
interactions?
In recent years, the importance of the tissue surrounding cancers, termed the
tumour stroma, has become increasingly recognised. Indeed, a recent report
provided evidence that the gene expression profile of the stroma is a more accurate
predictor of disease outcome in head and neck cancer than that of the cancer cells
themselves. The stroma is composed of a number of cell types, including fibroblasts,
endothelial cells, immune cells and neurones. Communication between these cells
by secreted factors is known to be a key factor in disease progression, and is likely
to represent a good therapeutic target for novel therapies. Recently, it has become
apparent that, as well as secreted proteins, small membranous vesicles termed
microvesicles play a key role in cell:cell communication, and evidence is mounting
that these vesicles may be important in the tumour stroma. We have preliminary
data showing that microvesicles can be isolated from head and neck cancer cells
and primary oral fibroblasts, and that they contain intact RNA.
This project will
utilise a variety of cutting edge cell and molecular biology techniquesse to
characterise the microvesicles released by both cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts,
to examine their importance in communication and influencing cancer and stromal
cell behaviour. Furthermore, the project will analyse whether microRNA, regulatory
non-coding RNA known to be present in microvesicles, mediate any effects
observed.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honours degree or significant
research experience.
Enquiries:
Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Dr Stuart Hunt –
[email protected]
How to apply:
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form and attach at
least two references to your application. To complete the application form please
visit: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select
‘Clinical Dentistry’ as the department.
Website: http://www.shef.ac.uk/dentalschool/research
Closing date: 10th January 2014