Dr Mark Wade M.Wade@hull.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Genetics
The epigenetic regulatory protein CBX2 as a novel therapeutic target for glioblastoma multiform
People Involved
Professor John Greenman J.Greenman@hull.ac.uk
Professor of Tumour Immunology
Project Description
PhD Studentship:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest form of brain tumour, affecting 2-3 per 100,000 people each year. The average length of survival for GBM remain low at only 12-15 months following diagnosis, in part, due to a lack of targeted therapeutic options. Identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets is therefore crucial.
Epigenetic proteins which control gene expression via the addition, removal, and recognition of chemical modifications on histones have emerged as promising therapeutic targets. CBX2 which is part of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) represses gene expression and has a pro-oncogenic role in a number of cancer types. CBX2 expression is elevated in GBM compared to normal brain tissue, however few studies have explored its role in GBM development and progression.
This PhD project will investigate the role of CBX2 using a be-spoke microfluidic culture system for analysis of GBM cell line spheroids and GBM patient tissue. CBX2 will be depleted in cell lines and ex vivo maintained tissue biopsies by RNA-interference to assess the effect on cell growth, viability and gene expression. The direct regulatory role of CBX2 will be investigated in vitro and ex vivo via cutting edge cistromic analysis to identify CBX2 DNA-binding sites. The functional role of CBX2 will be investigated by analysing the effect of ectopic expression of wild-type and DNA-binding defective mutants in cells depleted of endogenous CBX2.
| Status | Project Live |
|---|---|
| Value | £109,580.00 |
| Project Dates | Sep 19, 2022 - Sep 18, 2025 |
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