KESS2 PhD in Biosciences: Dissecting the biomolecular role of Bcl3 in breast cancer metastasis and the design of new interaction inhibitors

Outline

The aim of this project is to elucidate the full interaction profile (the interactome) of Bcl3 so as to understand the molecular basis of Bcl3’s contribution to cancer metastasis, which will in turn lead to the development of targeted therapies.

We will then combine the identified components with Bcl3 to reconstitute functional complexes and to elucidate their molecular structure using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy

(cryoEM). The newly gathered structural data will then be used to understand the mechanism of action of recently developed drugs and further the development of next generation drugs for treating cancer metastasis.  

As part of the project, you will learn a variety of techniques including protein engineering, synthetic biology, structural biology, cell biology and drug discovery to address an important societal and healthcare challenge.

What is funded

Full UK/EU tuition fees and a stipend, plus c. £3,000 a year available to support project-related expenses. Fees will be met by the University.

Duration

3 years

Eligibility

Open to all UK/EU students without further restrictions

You should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, chemical biology or a related degree.

To apply, you must:

• have a home or work address in the West Wales and the Valleys region at the time of your application for KESS funding and your enrolment for the course of study