Development of novel approaches to study changes in chromatin structure and investigation of the role of rDNA chromatin in malignant transformation

OVERVIEW

We have developed a novel in-situ approach to characterising changes in transcription factor binding and/or histone modification which localised at the “open” chromatin. This approach allows us to sequentially visualise and then genomically map changes in chromatin structure and the effects on transcription factors binding under different conditions. This project aims to optimise this approach and use it to study the changes in rDNA chromatin structure during malignant transformation. In collaboration with Australian National University, Canberra.

This project seeks to understand the fundamental molecular mechanism by which rDNA chromatin contributes to malignant transformation and to the differential sensitivity of tumour cells to inhibition of Pol-I transcription. Our central hypothesis is that rDNA class switching underlies both of these phenomena and we will test this using an in vivo model of malignant transformation coupled with state-of-the-art genomic and epigenomic approaches. In future we will translate our findings into a broader context of human cancer and develop traceable markers that may allow us to screen for those cancer patients most likely to benefit from Pol-I transcription therapy. We anticipate the outcomes of these studies will have far reaching implications for our understanding of how dysregulation of rDNA contributes to malignant transformation and will provide new paradigms and targets for the development of novel anticancer therapies.

The goal of this proposal is to determine the molecular basis for tumour cell dependence on rDNA class switching for survival and sensitivity to inhibition of Pol-I transcription.

All applicants must meet the academic entry requirements: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/biological-sciences-phd.html#entry

Research Information

PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a supervisor

If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.