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PhD Studentship: The microbiome, ROS and the development of cancer: a role in Fanconi anemia?

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Jan 24, 2018

Job Details

Details

Many patients with Fanconi Anemia (FA) develop cancers of the mouth, esophagus or anogenital region. A number of reasons have been suggested, but the millions of bacteria that are naturally resident in these body sites might be a significant contributory factor. In the mouth, FA patients are prone to severe gingivitis and periodontal disease caused by these resident bacteria.

We have preliminary data that shows that key components of one of these periodontitis-causing bacteria can damage the DNA of mouth lining cells and that this damage is not efficiently repaired in cancer cells derived from FA patients. As cancer develops in cells with damaged DNA, this may give valuable insight as to why FA patients often develop oral, esophageal or anal cancers. In this project we will extend our research to further assess the damage to the DNA using a range of oral bacteria and derived virulence components in order to identify agents that could be used to prevent DNA damage occurring in the first place. If successful, such agents could be readily extended into patients with trials of preventative drugs as a strategy of improving oral health. This may lead to changes in the standard of care for FA patients, and potentially help reduce oral cancer incidence in FA patients. Our hypothesis is that DNA damage caused by components of the oral microbiome is a major contributory factor in the development of oral cancer, particularly in patients with Fanconi Anemia.

The project will address three main aims: 1. To extend our preliminary investigation of the effects of oral pathogenic bacteria on DNA in cancer cells using a wide range of virulence factors and live bacterial cells. 2. To generate FANC-Deficient normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs), using CRISPR-Cas9 technology for assessment of the effects of bacteria on a more physiologically relevant "normal" cell. 3. To explore methods of inhibiting bacterial-mediated DNA damage using anti-oxidants or strategies aimed at altering the oral microflora

 

Funding Notes

The Faculty Scholarships for Medicine, Dentistry & Health cover fees and stipend at Home/EU level. Overseas students may apply but will need to fund the fee differential between Home and Overseas rate from another source.
 

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must have and upper second class honours degree or higher.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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