MSc Studentship (Dr Yeong Keng Yoon)
Project Title:
Design and synthesis of ADAR1 inhibitors for the treatment of oral cancers
Description of the project:
Targeted therapies designed to inhibit key “driver” genes required for the survival of cancer cells have significantly improved the survival rates of some cancer patients. But to date, this approach has not significantly improved survival for oral cancer because of the limited knowledge of driver genes in this cancer. The only approved molecular targeted drug for oral cancer, cetuximab (an EGFR inhibitor), increased overall patient survival, but only by three months. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology on a unique set of Asian oral cancer lines, the ADAR1 (Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) gene has been identified as a key driver gene required for the survival of oral cancers. Significantly, there are currently no specific inhibitors against ADAR1. The aim of the project is to identify and develop ADAR1 inhibitors for the treatment of oral cancers.
Eligibility:
The opportunity is open to candidates with an outstanding Bachelor’s degree majoring in the field of Medicinal or Organic Chemistry/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Chemistry or related disciplines.
Level Of Support: This is a collaborative project with Cancer Research Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia, University Science Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia. It is funded by the Malaysia Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). A monthly stipend will be provided to the candidate throughout his/her candidature (maximum 2 years). Tuition waiver opportunity will be given to the candidate if he/she is eligible and meet the requirement.
Closing Date:
Application is on a first come first serve basis. Once a suitable candidate is found, the application will be closed.
To Apply:
Only eligible candidate should write in application and resume directly to Inquiries are to be directed to Dr. Ken Yeong (Yeong.kengyoon@monash.edu)
For Master of Science requirements, please refer to this link: Master of Science (MSc)
For English requirements, please refer to this link: Master of Science (MSc)