About the Project
Inflammation is a central driver of numerous major diseases including cardiovascular indications, with the inflammasome and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) playing key roles in inflammatory processes.1 This PhD project aims to develop and optimize proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecules that can selectively degrade proteins that are critical components of these inflammatory pathways. PROTACS comprise a ligand for the protein of interest (POI) and a ubiquitin ligase binding ligand; they function by bringing the POI and ubiquitin ligase into mutual proximity resulting in conjugation of ubiquitin to the POI and ultimately its degradation by the proteasome.2
Leveraging known small-molecule ligands for our targets, you will synthesize a diverse library of PROTAC constructs by varying the E3 ligase recruiting moiety and the linker connecting the target-binding and E3-binding elements. The in vitro efficacy and selectivity of the lead PROTAC candidates in degrading their respective targets will be evaluated, followed by assessment of their anti-inflammatory effects on neutrophils (targeting both NETs and the inflammasome) and platelets (targeting the inflammasome only).
You will join a vibrant, diverse and group of researchers to gain skills and knowledge in chemical and cell biology in its broadest sense, applied to a major challenge in cardiovascular biology. You will also participate in our wider collaborative research. Specific techniques include: in silico methods, synthetic chemistry, isolating blood cells, and working with cell/tissue culture, fundamental biochemical methods, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, and cell functional assays.
The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 on an anti-discrimination ethos accepting men and women on an equal basis. Today, as a community of over 150 nationalities in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness irrespective of age, disability, gender, pregnancy or marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity. Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to research success and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
In both The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Chemistry and The College of Medicine and Health, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences we keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which recognises its work in promoting women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEM) in higher education. College of Medicine and Health (former School of Medical and Dental Sciences) was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award in 2020.