Investigating the role of immunoproteasomes in gastric cancer

Overview

Gastric cancer is currently treated as one disease but displays two main histological subtypes (intestinal and diffuse gastric cancer). We have identified two genes encoding an immunoproteasome subunit that impact survival in opposite ways in these two gastric cancer subtypes.

This PhD project will examine the dynamics of immunoproteasome interaction with cytosolic and nuclear structures and whether these interactions impact gastric cancer cell survival and immunogenicity. CRISPR-mediated gene tagging combined with live-cell high-resolution fluorescence microscopy will be used to visualise when immunoproteasome genes are switched on and off and track their subcellular localisation in real-time. The interaction between gastric cancer and immune cells will be investigated using co-culture assays and include flow cytometric analysis of immune cell phenotypes.

The student will be part of a multi-disciplinary and supportive team with strong clinical linkages. The student will be expected to present their work at national and international conferences and will have the opportunity to visit and work with our collaborators in New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

We are looking for a dedicated PhD candidate who is interested in undertaking lab work and associated data analysis. You should have strong attention to detail and be a collaborative team player. Experience in cell biology and confocal imaging is advantageous.
Domestic applicants should have completed Honours (or equivalent). International applicants should have completed a postgraduate qualification with at least one year of research component.

We will support your application for a doctoral scholarship to the University of Otago Graduate Research School and external funding bodies.

Please email Dr Neumann directly to hear more about the project.
Email silke.neumann@otago.ac.nz

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago