Why do cancers cells re-express meiotic SYCP1 protein?

Description

The aim of meiosis is to generate gametes by recombining the chromosomes and reducing the genome from diploid to haploid. However, in mitosis haploid genome and recombination have catastrophic, oncogenic outcomes. Consequently, the process of somatic cell division requires the accurate and specific silencing of meiotic genes when cells transition to mitosis. Interestingly, failure of this silencing occurs in approximately 15% of human cancer patients who re-express the meiotic SYCP1 protein. We find that SYCP1 re-expression is induced by common chemotherapy treatments causing DNA damage induction. The process of meiotic recombination involves similar mechanisms to DNA double strand break repair (DSBR) and due to this similarity SYCP1 re-activation in cancer cells may contribute to genome instability. In this project you will investigation potential mechanisms driving SYCP1 re-expression in cancer. You will investigate the biology of SYCP1 re-expression in cancer, the effect it has on cellular physiology and response to chemotherapeutics.

This interdisciplinary project will involve a unique breadth of training with complementary approaches utilising our world-class facilities including cell biology, proteomics (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/pfg/), genetics (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/genomic-research/) and imaging (https://cci.liv.ac.uk/). During this interdisciplinary project you will develop a unique combination of skills in pathology, cell biology, big data, proteomics, genetic and imaging techniques. A broad range of inter-disciplinary approaches (CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and DNA pull-downs followed by mass spectroscopy) will help you develop diverse technical expertise. Furthermore, this multi-disciplinary training will give you a broad range of skills allowing a wide choice of career options, both within and outside of academia. Our group is committed to supporting the development of early career researchers. Successful candidate will not only join a vibrant department but will also be supported in attending national and international conferences as well as undertaking training to further develop and pursue their own career development. Our laboratory https://www.mcclurglab.com/  is a collegial, supportive environment that champions talent, diversity and equity.

The project is suited to a student with a upper second class master's degree in Biological or Life Sciences). Please apply by emailing Dr Urszula McClurg.