PhD Studentship: Modulation of cell migration in metastatic cells by novel small molecule ligands

College of Life Sciences & Medicine Graduate School

University of Aberdeen

G protein coupled receptors are involved in the control of cell differentiation, growth and movement all of which are important factors in cancer biology. Metastasis, which is the ability of cancer cells to migrate and begin to grow at a distant site, is a key process in the progression of cancer. We have recently discovered that endocannabinoids are synthesized in human bone cells; these endogenous compounds may act as chemotactic factors, attracting malignant cells to metastasise to bone (e.g. breast and prostate cancer). In this project, we will determine whether cannabinoid receptors are involved in modulation of metastatic potential, using a panel of human breast and prostate cancer cell lines. We will investigate the expression of these receptors in cancer cell lines and possible correlation with tumour aggressiveness; we will also study the effect of novel small molecules synthesised by Selecia on the migration and tissue invasiveness of these cell lines.