
Jess Peng, Medical sciences, Newcastle
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, causing over 12,000 deaths every year. Treatment of advanced prostate cancer is challenged by treatment resistance and the immunological “cold” tumour. Glycans are sugar molecules that coat cell surfaces and aberrant sugar-coating is linked to many aspects of cancer progression. Our previous work has identified GALNT7, which encodes an enzyme that transfers and adds glycans to cell surfaces, is upregulated in prostate cancer. By using a combination of prostate cancer cell lines, patient-derived and mouse model samples, this research project aims to build on the current findings by further investigating the changes in the GALNT7-associated glycan profile in prostate cancer. The novel mechanisms identified might inform the development of new therapeutic strategies. The student will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with techniques like cell culture, cell proliferation and migration assays, microscopy, and flow cytometry. We welcome students with varying levels of experience and strongly encourage applicants interested in cancer biology, immunology, or glycan biology. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York in September 2025.