The impact of circadian rhythm on metastasis

An exciting PhD position awaits individuals eager to delve into the temporal regulation of metastasis, the leading cause of cancer related deaths posing a significant hurdle in cancer treatment. Understanding the biology of metastasis and identifying vulnerabilities in the process is imperative for developing novel therapeutic approaches to target and impede metastatic progression.

Metastasis is formed by circulating tumour cells (CTCs), cancer cells that escape the primary tumour and are transported through the blood circulation to distant organs where they grow into metastatic lesions. In our lab, we focus on uncovering the underpinning molecular mechanisms governing the metastatic spread of CTCs to develop novel antimetastatic therapies. Specifically, we are interested in the interplay between CTCs and the circadian rhythm. Recently, we revealed that CTCs spread during our sleep¹. We found that they are not generated constantly throughout the 24-hour day, but instead their numbers exhibit a precise oscillation pattern with the peak observed during the rest phase of the circadian rhythm. Importantly, the rest phase CTCs are more prone to form metastases due to their response to circadian rhythm regulated hormones that induce a unique gene expression profile¹. Building on these findings, the aim of this PhD project is to unravel how systemically the circadian rhythm affects the formation of metastasis and identify cellular and molecular vulnerabilities.

On this project, you will analyse samples from a range of cancer mouse models available at the CRUK Scotland Institute. You will employ a combination of cutting-edge microfluidics and robotic technologies, along with single-cell analysis methods, next generation sequencing, genetic engineering, CRISPR screens and imaging techniques. Furthermore, you will be trained in bioinformatic analyses. Together, this research will advance our understanding on metastasis and will pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. 

For project related questions, please contact Dr Zoi Diamantopoulou ([email protected]). 

For questions regarding the application process, PhD programme/studentships at the CRUK Scotland Institute or any other queries, please contact [email protected].