"Delivery of functionalised RNA-wrapped CNT to kill cancer cells"
The CARBIO partners apply a multidisciplinary approach in order to exploit the potential of multi-functional carbon nanotubes (CNT) for biomedical applications.
Work in the laboratory in Surrey has developed methods for solubilising, purifying and functionalising CNTs with RNA (Jeynes et al., 2006). In this project RNA-wrapped CNT will be further functionalized to attach protein ligands for targeting of tumour cells for subsequent killing by absorbtion of near-IR radiation. Protein targeting ligands will be used to specifically target cancer cells. As model systems we will investigate colorectal cancer and prostate cancer, as antibodies to both cell types are readily available and cell culture systems are available for development of the methodology. Colorectal tumours are known to over-express the Carcinoembryonic antigen and we plan to use the SW948 (Duke's C advanced colon cancer) cell line which is known to over-express CEA.
Likewise, the prostate cancer cell line LNCap which over-expresses the Prostatic Specific Antigen PSA, will be used in similar experiment with the appropriate conjugated antibody-CNT system. Antibodies to the target antigens will be conjugated to the modified CNTs using one or both of the above approaches. As a marker for efficient measurement of uptake we will also conjugate green fluorescent protein (GFP) or red fluorescent protein (RFP) to the CNTs. Protein-CNTs will be mixed with tissue culture medium and incubated with the target tissue culture cancer cells. Uptake of CNTs will be monitored by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Once uptake protocols are optimized, cell killing will be stimulated by near-IR irradiation with NIR 808-nm laser pulses. Subsequent viability of cancer cells and control cells will be monitored by the MTT cell proliferation assay. Initiation of cell death and effects on cell cycle will be investigated using well established techniques such as flow cytometry. Following successful initial in vitro studies, we will extend this work to in vivo tumour animal tumour xenograft model systems.
The fellowships are well paid, including a basic living and a mobility allowance (with deductions by national laws) and travel and career exploratory allowances according to the Marie Curie rules. Each fellow will get an employment contract with one partner and will perform secondments at other partners. A generous career development package is included.
CARBIO offers 12 three-years fellowships for Early-Stage-Researchers (PhD positions) and 4 fellowships for Experienced Researchers (ER). (cf. http://www.carbio.eu)
The applicants must meet the requirements of the Marie-Curie fellowships. E.g., the fellows must be nationals of a state other than the country where they will perform their studies and they may not have carried out their main activities in that country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the start of the
fellowship. Applicants should be EU citizens.
Organisation - University of Surrey
Division/Faculty/Department
Bionanotechnology Laboratory, School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences
Street - GU2 5XH
City - Guildford, Surrey
Country - UNITED KINGDOM
Phone - +4401483686494
E-Mail - j.mcfadden@surrey.ac.uk
carbio@ifw-dresden.de
Website - http://www.surrey.ac.uk/SBMS/ACADEMICS_homepage/mcfadden_johnjoe
http://www.carbio.eu
Application Deadline - 01/10/2006
Applicants should have a good background in chemistry, material science and/or biochemistry and several years post-doctoral experience. Previous experience in the field of carbon nanotubes would be an advantage. Good English skills are mandatory.
