The work may be divided into three main areas
- Investigate signalling pathways important for cancer cell migration. Inhibitors of different signalling pathways will be added to cancer cells, and the resulting cell migration will be analysed.
- Investigate the role of specific candidate proteins in FGFR4 driven cell migration and invasion. A screening analysis has been performed to investigate interaction partners of a mutant form of FGFR4 in Rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Potential interaction partners from the screening will be characterized further, and their role in FGFR4 driven cell migration investigated.
- Investigate FGFR4 signalling in cancer cell invasion. Pathways identified in 1 and/or protein candidates investigated in 2, will be examined to understand their role in cancer cell invasion, and their potential as targets in cancer therapy.
The specific focus in the master project will be discussed with the candidate.
What we can offer the student
- Work with cancer cell lines.
- Learn state-of-the-art laboratory technology (advanced microscopy, protein biology, cloning, functional assays, migration and invasion assays).
- Develop competence in cellular biology and cancer molecular biology.
- Work in a friendly environment.
- An international environment which gives experience in using English as a working language.
- Training in making scientific presentations and in scientific writing.
- Possibility for presenting work at scientific meetings.
Environment and SupervisionThe project group, Molecular Biology of Sarcoma, at the Institute for Cancer Research at the Norwegian Radium Hospital is led by Dr. J?rgen Wesche. The group is multidisciplinary with members working in the fields of basic molecular biology, bioinformatics and medicine, including a medical doctor. The group is immersed in the leading cancer research environment in Norway and is also part of "CanCell", a Centre of Excellence at the University of Oslo.
The Master project will be supervised by Dr. Ellen Margrethe Haugsten, a senior scientist in the group, together with co-supervisor Dr. J?rgen Wesche (group leader). Dr. Cinzia Progida at IBV will serve as internal supervisor. The main supervisor will work side-by-side with the student to ensure adequate progression.