Elucidating the role for targeted inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in disease progression of prostate cancer

About this project

Investigate durable resolutions of prostate cancer

If you are passionate about fighting cancer and are seeking to build a career in the health, medical & care industry, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Centre for Cancer Biology. 

Advanced prostate cancer (PC) is supported by an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment underpinned by a prevalent infiltrate of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a crucial inflammatory enzyme involved in host defense, is highly upregulated in MDSCs. 

However, the role of MPO in prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Our pioneering research has shown that MPO has pro-fibrogenic and pro-angiogenic activities contributing to cancer progression and metastasis. Notably, we have demonstrated that MPO exerts immunosuppressive effects by reducing tumor-specific T-cell activity. We hypothesize that targeting MPO could mitigate the pathogenic role of MDSCs, leading to improved and durable resolution of prostate cancer. This hypothesis will be addressed by integrated research activity using human prostate cancer tissues, 3D-tumour spheroid models, and patient-derived xenograft models of prostate cancer, including use of tissue-engineered models of humanised bone. 

What you’ll do  

In this project-based research degree, you will undertake extensive cellular and molecular investigation of myeloperoxidases in the development of aggressive prostate cancer. Our hypothesis will be investigated using a series of three-dimensional spheroid models of tumours developed by biomaterials research and the study of human prostate cancer tissue. You will characterise the expression of myeloperoxidases in prostate cancer tissue, assign this understanding to clinical significance, and undertake research including molecular and pharmacological strategies to demonstrate the functional significance of myeloperoxidases in cancer progression. Successful progression of the project will provide you with the opportunity to attend national and/or international conferences and participate in collaborative research projects with other external organisations. 

Where you’ll be based

This project will be undertaken in the state-of-the-art laboratories of the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB), a university-embedded Medical Research Institute located in the heart of the Health Innovation Precinct at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. CCB is a dynamic research environment and home to over twenty research-intensive teams spanning early-stage discovery, translational research and clinical evaluation. It works in close partnership with neighbouring research institutes including SAIGENCI and SAHMRI to access complementary research technologies, expertise and access to additional high-throughput platforms. CCB provides facilities for cell and biomaterials-focused research, comprehensive pathology suites to conduct profiling of tumour tissue, and flow cytometry and imaging platforms to conduct cell and tissue profiling analysis. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time. 

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must address the project selection criteria:

• A commitment to undertaking cancer research, highlighting any specific knowledge of prostate cancer or the study of treatment-resistance
• Research experience to date including a summary of your learning

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Sunday 24 November 2024.