LIMR Cancer: Understanding the anti-cancer activity of Omega-3 fatty acids to improve personalise therapy and treatment outcomes

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes for patients with advanced disease remain poor, highlighting the need for new and more effective therapeutic approaches.<br /> <br /> Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have shown considerable promise as anti-cancer agents. Clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of EPA to improve outcomes in colorectal cancer, yet the molecular mechanisms that determine tumour sensitivity or resistance to these compounds remain largely unknown.<br /> <br /> This exciting PhD project aims to uncover the cellular and molecular pathways that drive cancer cell responses to omega-3 fatty acids and to identify biomarkers that could predict which patients are most likely to benefit from treatment. The findings will contribute to the development of precision nutrition and personalised therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer.

<p>Using cancer models, the PhD student will investigate what molecular and cellular mechanisms drive cancer cell response to omega-3 fatty acids and identify biomarkers that may predict increased sensitivity to EPA and DHA. The successful candidate will:</p> <ul> <li>Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer cell sensitivity and resistance to EPA and DHA.</li> <li>Identify biomarkers associated with response to omega-3 fatty acid treatment.</li> <li>Explore how key signalling pathways influence therapeutic efficacy.</li> <li>Contribute to the development of precision approaches for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer prevention and treatment.</li> <li>The student will join a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in cancer biology, nutrition, molecular pharmacology and translational cancer research.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Typical techniques associated with project are</strong> mammalian cell culture, cell proliferation and apoptosis assays, Gene expression analysis (qPCR), protein expression studies (Western blotting and immunodetection, microscopy and image analysis), lipidomic analysis using mass spectrometry (in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bradford), gene knockdown and/or gene overexpression approaches (e.g. siRNA transfection).</p> <h5>References</h5> <ol> <li>Aldoori J, Cockbain AJ, Toogood GJ, Hull MA. (2022) Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: moving towards precision use for prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Gut 71:822-83.</li> <li>Hull MA, Ow PL, Ruddock S, Brend T, Smith AF, Marshall H, Song M, Chan AT, Garrett WS, Yilmaz O, Drew DA, Collinson F, Cockbain AJ, Jones R, Loadman PM, Hall PS, Moriarty C, Cairns DA, Toogood GJ. (2023) Randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of the effect of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on colorectal cancer recurrence and survival after surgery for resectable liver metastases. EPA for Metastasis Trial 2 (EMT2) study protocol. BMJ Open 13:e077427.</li> <li>Volpato M, Ingram N, Perry SL, Spencer J, Race AD. Marshall C, Hutchinson JM, Nicolaou A, Loadman PM, Coletta PL, Hull MA. (2021) Cyclooxygenase activity mediates colorectal cancer cell resistance to the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 87, (2), 173-184.</li> </ol>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine, Health & Human Disease as your planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine for 2027/28 is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs. </p>

<p>For enquiries about the admissions process please contact <a href="mailto:hlspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">hlspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p>