Download 3D mapping of cancer metabolism using nano

SGUL/LSHTM MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership – 2017/18 Additional Studentships – Potential PhD Projects
Title of PhD project
3D mapping of cancer metabolism using nano-sensors: a
new approach to cancer diagnosis
Supervisor
Dr Elena Sviderskaya
SGUL
Co-Supervisor
Professor Yuri Korchev
Imperial College London
Brief description of project
The metabolic microenvironment surrounding tumours
dramatically influences their growth, proliferation, metastatic
potential and response/resistance to treatment. Melanocyte
transformation into cancer is associated with significant
structural alterations in melanosomes, which protect the cell
by scavenging free radicals generated, by sunlight and
cellular metabolism. This makes melanoma especially
important type of cancer to evaluate changes in extracellular
acidity (pH) and production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
and ROS (reactive oxygen species). We aim to optimise and
apply a novel class of field-effect transistor (FET) nanosensors to elucidate the role of metabolic and oxidative stress
in melanoma. The FET nano-sensors allow long term and
sensitive monitoring of these key cancer biomarkers in cells,
3D mapping in tissue and can help in early cancer diagnosis.
This is a joint project with Imperial College Medical School.
Particular prior educational
requirements for a student
undertaking this project
None
Skills we expect a student
to develop/acquire whilst
pursuing this project
MRC skills priority - Interdisciplinary skills
(physical/engineering including imaging and cell biology). Cell
biology skills: Advanced mammalian cell culture (cells of
melanocytic lineage), cell biology and molecular biology
methods including cell proliferation, differentiation,
senescence and apoptosis assays, immunostaining;
Physical/engineering skills: Advanced high-resolution
microscopy for live cell imaging and design of nano-sensors
for analysis of tumour samples.
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