The role of the histone lysine demethylase KDM4A in post-stress recovery and its utility as a target in breast and prostate cancer

OVERVIEW

This project aims to identify specific targets of histone demethylase which are involved in the post-stress survival of breast and prostate cancer cells and determine the potential of this enzyme as a novel drug target. The outcome of this research will not only increase our knowledge of fundamental aspects of cancer biology but will also have an impact on the future development of new drugs and novel therapeutic approaches. In collaboration with Australian National University, Canberra.

Cancer cells are constantly under pressure of diverse stresses as a result of their specific tumour microenvironment (e.g. nutrient deprivation, lack of oxygen), re-establishment in a foreign microenvironment (e.g. metastasis, secondary tumour growth) or exposure to anticancer treatments (e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy). In order to survive, cancer cells must be able to efficiently recover from these stresses and re-initiate growth. Therefore, the process of the post-stress recovery can in itself be seen as a target for anticancer therapy.

We recently discovered a novel crucial role for the histone demethylase KDM4A in activation ribosomal RNA transcription, which is specifically upregulated in cancer cells, but not normal cells. Importantly, the activated level of rRNA transcription is required for recovering from stress. The main aim of the project is to establish the role of histone demethylase KDM4A in the stress-related regulation of transcription, determine the exact set of genes regulated by KDM4A under various stresses and during post-stress recovery and determine its potential utility as a clinical target in models of breast and prostate cancer.

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.