Understanding the role of Cadherin-17 (CDH17) in prostate cancer metabolism and progression

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the UK, causing around 12,000 deaths annually, approximately 33 per day. Identifying innovative and effective targets for preventing and treating prostate cancer is therefore of great clinical importance.

Cadherin-17 (CDH17), a recently discovered member of the cadherin superfamily, plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and is overexpressed in various cancers, including gastric and colorectal cancer. Evidence suggests that CDH17 may contribute to cancer development via the Wnt signalling pathway and can be enhanced by the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway. Several CDH17-based clinical agents, such as bispecific antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T cells, are currently under development. Our previous studies indicate that CDH17 could be a pivotal element linking the unique metabolic features and aggression of prostate cancer. However, the precise biological function and mechanism of CDH17 in prostate cancer remain unclear.

This PhD project aims to understand how CDH17 contributes to the proliferation and peripheral infiltration of prostate cells, using human and murine prostate cancer cell lines as models in vitro and in vivo, alongside in silico data-centric approaches. The project will be based in Dr Ning Wang’s group at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK. Our centre is internationally recognised for research in precision therapeutics, pre-clinical models for drug discovery, cancer prevention, and liquid biopsy for cancer detection. Leicester offers a unique combination of infrastructure and expertise that is not available elsewhere in the UK, providing comprehensive training and skills in cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and statistical genetics.

This studentship, funded for 3.5 years by the College of Life Sciences, includes tuition fees for UK home students, a stipend at UKRI levels (currently £19,237 p.a.), research costs, and travel and training (RTSG) funds. Talented and motivated applicants are expected to hold a Master’s degree in Cancer Biology or a related discipline, and/or a Bachelor’s degree with good marks. Applicants should also possess good communication skills in English.

EU/EEA/Swiss applicants with pre-settled or settled status eligible for home fees are acceptable. International students will be required to fund the difference in fees (currently approx. ≥£17.2k p.a.) and any additional visa, travel and health subsidy costs.

Apply here:  https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/research-subjects/cancer-studies

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Ning Wang at nw208@Leicester.ac.uk