Research
Fifth Allison Wilson Fellowship granted
Role of transcriptional repressors of e-cadherin in the progression of bladder tumours
Applicant: Dr Marina Kriajevska
SNAIL/SLUG and SIP1/ZEB-1 families of transcription factors control epithelial mesenchymal transitions during embryonic development. Emerging evidence suggests that these proteins act in a number of oncogenic pathways which are responsible for the acquisition of invasive phenotype in carcinoma cells. While the majority of these data was generated in in vitro models, the immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of these factors in tumour tissues is very limited. We accumulated preliminary data suggesting that SNAIL, SIP1 and ZEB-1 are up-regulated during bladder tumour progression. We propose i) to perform a large-scale immunohistochemical study on the expression of these factors in tumour specimens and ii) to address the function of these proteins in bladder cancer cell models. Accomplishment of this project will allow us to examine the efficacy of SNAIL/SLUG and SIP1/ZEB-1 family members as biomarkers of invasive bladder cancer, and to assess their value as potential targets for new anti-cancer therapies.
Fourth Clinical Research Fellowship Awarded
The functions of a novel B-cell specific molecule (BCNP1) in B-cell malignancies
Applicant: Professor Martin Dyer (for Dr Renata Walweska)
We have identified a novel B-cell specific protein (BCNP1) through proteomic analysis of the cell surface membrane preparations from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). BCNP1 is a member of an uncharacterised family of proteins. It associates with the plasma membrane via an amino-terminal pleckstrin homology domain.
Quantitative RT-PCR analysis has shown expression of BCNP1 is almost entirely B-cell specific; high level expression is seen in a variety of B-cell malignancies including CLL, follicular and mantle cell lymphomas. We are seeking to determine the functions of BCNP1. We have recently been awarded funding to allow development of specific monoclonal antibodies. We are now seeking additional funding principally to pursue gene inactivation studies both in vitro and in vivo. These studies will further our understanding of BCNP1 in normal and malignant B-cells and may allow the development of new targeted therapeutic approaches.
Nursing Fellowship Awarded
Coping and Adaptation to Cancer in an Ethnically Diverse Population
Applicant: Miss Karen Lord
Supervisor: Dr Paul Symonds
South Asians now make up between 20-50% of the population of Leicester, Bradford and Birmingham. In order to offer optimal treatment for psychological as well as physical complications of cancer it is vitally important to understand how ethnically diverse populations react to a diagnosis of cancer. A pilot study has shown definite differences in coping styles in British cancer patients according to ethnicity. Whilst significant numbers of both Caucasian and Asian patients employ denial in some form, for reasons that are as yet unclear Caucasian patients appear to do this more successfully than Asian patients and as such Asian patients have a poorer psychological adaptation to cancer with higher anxiety and depression scores.
We plan to:
- Replicate the findings of our pilot study using a larger patient population study prospectively and to find out whether the coping mechanism of denial varies with time.
- To find out whether the understanding of the concept of cancer varies between Caucasian and Asian patients in Leicester
The new information from this project should lead to improvements in support services for Asian patients.
Phd Studentships 2008
Applications are invited for two PhD Studentships funded by Hope Foundation for Cancer Research commencing October 2008.
Applicants must be employed within a Department of the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Loughborough University and/or the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, be involved in any aspect of Cancer Research and be eligible under University regulations to act as a Supervisor.
Each studentship is to the total value of £75,000 over three years to cover stipend at MRC rates, fees and consumables.
Application forms can be requested by email from enquiries@hfcr.org.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 18th January 2008
1 email and 1 hard copy required
Hope Awards Three New PhD Studentships - April 2008
After receiving many applications for the PhD Studentships. The Trustees with guidance from the Scientific Committee have awarded the PhD studentships to the following applicants. So congratulations to:
Prof. D G Lambert/Prof. D J Rowbotham
Project Title: Strategies to reduce morphine tolerance in cancer: evaluation of novel bifunctional opioids "
This application is to design and evaluate new morphine-like analgesics with reduced side effects for long term use in cancer pain"
Dr C A Pritchard
Project Title: Identification of a Braf gene signature in colorectal cancer
" Mutation of the BRAF proto-oncogene is a major contributing factor in the development of human cancers and therefore strategies aimed at understanding and inhibiting this key cancer protein will be of significant benefit to patients with cancer or those at risk"
Dr R Schaffrath
Project Title: The roll of diphthamide in cell proliferation control and ovarian cancer
" The project will analyse ovarian cancer at the molecular level and thus provide a means of improving the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer patients or those who are at risk"
Three students will be selected shortly for the individual projects.
Clinical Research Fellowships - January 2008
The Hope Foundation wishes to provide a two years’ salary support to the value of £85,000 for a Clinical Research Fellow to undertake cancer research in the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Loughborough University and/or the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Applications are invited from members of staff of these institutions describing the research project on which the Fellow would work; this may be related to identifying the causes of cancer, improving the treatment of cancer patients, or improving their quality of life. It is expected that the Fellow who will undertake the successful project will be identified by national advertisement.
Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Gordon Roberts gcr@le.ac.uk
Application forms are available enquiries@hfcr.org
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 27th November 2007
1 email and 1 hard copy is required
