Supervisors: Dr Patrick Lewis, Dr Ben Whalley, Dr Anni Ahonen-Bishopp

Project Overview: Death associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is key regulator of cell fate in human cells, acting as a control point for autophagic cell death, and has been implicated in cancer and neurodegneration. Despite two decades of research, the molecular pathways coordinated by DAPK1 remain poorly defined.

The aim of this project is to use new advances in genomic and proteomic technology, coupled with novel insights into the enzymatic function of DAPK1, to dissect the pathways downstream of this protein. This will, in turn, help define the cellular role of this important protein and aid in the development of new drugs to modulate DAPK1.

This four year studentship, funded by an Industrial CASE award from the BBSRC, will be based partly at the University of Reading School of Pharmacy and partly at BC platforms, a leader in the field of bioinformatics. The student will use cellular and biochemical methods to characterise DAPK1, leading on to genomic and proteomic analysis of the cellular impact of modulating the enzymes activity. Bioinformatic investigation of the latter will be carried out with BC platforms, providing industry experience. During the course of the PhD, the student will have the opportunity to register for a Certificate in Business Administration at Henley Business School, part of the University of Reading.

For a recent publications on DAPK1 from the Lewis group, see http://doi.org/10.1038/srep00695 orhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.05.010 


Eligibility: 

• The student should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level (or equivalent from other EU countries) in a relevant subject such as Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology or Biochemistry.
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is only open to candidates from the UK/EU.  

Funding Details:   

• October 2015 start date
• Fully funded, 4 year studentship including industrial placement
• Tuition fees (UK/EU) and stipend at standard Research Council rate (£13,726 per annum in 2014) included

How to apply:   

To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Pharmacology at seehttp://www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectivestudents/gs-how-to-apply.aspx. 

*Important note* Please quote the reference GS15-015 in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.

Further Enquiries: 

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.