Nobue Itasaki

This funded PhD project at the University of Bristol investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of cancer stem cells during metastasis, with a particular focus on circulating tumour cells. Despite advances in cancer detection and therapy, metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The research aims to develop anti-cancer drugs that specifically target cancer stem cells as they circulate and establish secondary tumours. The project utilises innovative 3D cell culture models to mimic the mechanical microenvironments experienced by cancer cells during metastasis, comparing liquid-cultured spheroids (representing circulating cells) with gel-cultured spheroids (representing solid tumours). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses have revealed that liquid-cultured spheroids express higher levels of stemness genes, suggesting that the absence of a scaffold promotes the development of cancer stem cell characteristics. These cells are more resistant to conventional therapies and play a key role in tumour initiation, heterogeneity, and drug resistance. The project will further investigate the molecular pathways involved, including the Akt/PBK and Hippo pathways, and test novel chemical compounds for their ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation in these models. The student will gain hands-on experience in molecular and cellular cancer research, including experimental design, gene knockdown, drug testing, and data analysis, as well as communication and presentation skills. The position is open to Chinese applicants eligible for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) funding, as well as international students who can self-fund or have other scholarships. Applicants must meet the University of Bristol's standard PhD entry requirements, including a relevant degree and English language proficiency. The application deadline is December 1, 2025, with a start date in September 2026. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the University of Bristol's application portal and select the appropriate programme and funding source. Queries about the application process can be directed to [email protected], and project-specific questions to Dr Nobue Itasaki at [email protected].