Cancer Cell Glycosyltransferases
Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry
Carbohydrates are the least exploited of the three major classes of biomolecules due to their complexity, and the lack of practical synthetic and analytical methods. Carbohydrates have been shown to play important roles in numerous biological recognition events, e.g. cancer metastasis. This cell-cell recognition procedure is mediated through the binding of glycans to Selectins. Glycans are mainly synthesized by glycosyltransferases which are usually abnormal both in structure and quantity in tumour cells.
This project will use mass spectrometry based proteomics methods to identify unregulated glycosyltransferases in cancer cell lines. High throughput screening methods will then be applied to study the mechanism/kinetics of cloned glycosyltransferases. Fragment based approaches will be used to obtain inhibitors which could lead to potential drugs to prevent cancer cell metastasis.
Training will be provided in mass spectrometry, carbohydrate chemistry, biocatalysis and molecular biology.
Applicants should send their CV, a personal statement and the names of two academic referees to:
Sudershana Dave
Assistant Registrar
The School of Pharmacy
29/39 Brunswick Square
London,
WC1N 1AX
T 020 7753 5958
F 020 7753 5829,
E phd@pharmacy.ac.uk
Informal enquires can be made to Dr Min Yang (min.yang@pharmacy.ac.uk).
Information about the Department can be found at http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/pharmbiochem.html
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The School of Pharmacy is committed to equality of opportunity and selection on merit.
