mRNA nanoplexes as a precision medicine platforms for treatment of breast cancer

NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Programme between National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the UK is a well-established programme, where students spending 2 years at both institutions. Working with world leading academics and research capabilities the PhD candidates will spend two years in each institution. Upon successful defence of their research work, the candidates will obtain dual PhD degrees.

Breast cancer (BC) poses a significant threat to the female population worldwide, emerging as a leading life-threatening disease. The global incidence of BC is escalating, with projections estimating an increase to 3 million new cases and 1 million annual deaths by 2040. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, often bring about side effects, resistance issues, and recurrence. Immunotherapy has marked a transformative shift in cancer care by providing precise targeting of tumors with minimal harm to healthy cells. This medical approach aims to activate an anti-tumor immune response, leading to tumor reduction and enhanced clinical outcomes. Cancer vaccination, a form of active immunotherapy, stimulates the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells.

In this vein, messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines are gaining prominence, inspired by the success of the first FDA-approved mRNA vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A significant challenge with these vaccines, however, is effectively delivering mRNA to the intended sites without causing toxicity. The most common formulation for mRNA vaccines (including the COVID-19 vaccine) are liposomes, but these suffer drawbacks owing to their preparation and mRNA encapsulation processes are complex and lack stability. Although not as clinically advanced as liposomes, polymer nanoplexes, created from cationic polymers condensing with negatively charged mRNA, offer a more promising approach given their simplicity in fabrication, high tunability, and increased stability.

The aim of the project is to develop a degradable hyperbranced polymeric mRNA nanoplexes that are able to deliver mRNA to the site of the tumor for a presion treatment. This project is a joint PhD between the University of Liverpool (UoL) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) with 2 years spent at each location. The project will be carried out with four objectives: (1) Fabrication and characterisation of hyperbranched polymers (UoL) (2) Fabrication and characterisation of mRNA polymer nanoplexes (UoL) (3) Functional validation in vitro (NTHU) and (4) Delivery tracking and validation (NTHU)

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD – University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in  Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.