Novel Transfection Vectors for the Delivery of siRNA
School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy
School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of East Anglia.
This fully funded studentship is available to start in October 2008, under the supervision of Dr Susan Matthews, in the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, UEA Norwich, which has an international reputation, (RAE 5). The project is funded by the Association for International Cancer Research.
Project description:
One of the most recent breakthroughs in Cancer Research is the discovery that small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to alter RNA and thus change the behaviour of cancer cells. This is achieved by site selective and highly specific degradation of messenger DNA which allows the destruction of oncogenic RNA in the presence of normal RNA and thus the elimination of cancer induced mutations and resistance mechanisms. Before such an approach can be used therapeutically a major challenge must be overcome; the development of a non toxic delivery system or vector for the siRNA which will allow effective, targeted delivery to the cancerous cell and release of the siRNA within the cell. In this AICR funded project the student will work on a combined chemical synthesis and biological evaluation programme for the development of new vectors based on multicalixarene systems. The techniques involved in the project will include chemical synthesis, DNA binding studies and cell transfection and imaging studies. We seek a highly motivated student who wishes to work on a truly multidisciplinary project. Full training in all aspects of the project will be given and applicants with first degrees in chemistry, cell biology, pharmacology and pharmacy are invited to apply. For further information about the project area read: R. Lalor, J. L. DiGesso, A. Mueller, S. E. Matthews Efficient Gene Transfection with Functionalised Multicalixarenes, Chem. Commun., 2007, 4907-4909.
Contact:
For informal enquiries about this position please contact Dr Susan Matthews at susan.matthews@uea.ac.uk scipg@uea.ac.uk or the Faculty of Science Admissions Office at +44 (0) 1603 593002
How to apply:
An application can be downloaded from our website at http://www1.uea.ac.uk/cm/home/services/units/mac/aao/courses/PG. Completed application forms should be submitted to the Admissions Office, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday 23rd May 2008.
