Project title: Development and application of recombinant antibodies to map pathology-related changes in glycosaminoglycans on breast cancer cells
Principal supervisor: Professor Kevin Gough
Background: The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science undertakes a wide range of research from fundamental biology to population studies. The research is integrated into the University structure with established world-class research in biomedical sciences.
Project description: The PhD student will join an extensive team delivering a BBSRC strategic project involving research groups from The University of Nottingham, Liverpool University, Manchester University, and the Francis Crick Institute, along with international and commercial partners. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are biomolecules that decorate cell surfaces and play critical roles in biological processes, including cell signaling and development. They are dysregulated in diseases such as cancer. Despite their importance, we lack comprehensive understanding of how GAG molecular structures relate to their functions, and tools to detect and characterize GAGs in tissues and cells are limited.
This studentship aims to isolate recombinant antibodies that bind GAGs, creating highly specific probes. The project will utilize advanced antibody phage display technology combined with next-generation sequencing (NGPD). The studentship will focus on targeting cell surface GAGs from breast cancer cells, identifying specific binders, cloning and expressing these binders, and characterizing their binding properties. The student will be part of a dynamic phage-display group at the University of Nottingham, with opportunities to collaborate with the Glycoweb team, visit partner labs, and expand research expertise and networks.
Further information and Application: Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a 2.2 degree plus a Master’s in a related field.
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