Targeting sphingolipid metabolism as a therapy for diffuse midline glioma

About this project

Develop novel therapies to address childhood cancer

If you are excited about launching your career in molecular biology and keen to tackle childhood brain cancers, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD with life-changing impact within the Centre for Cancer Biology, in partnership with the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation.

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a common type of primary high grade brain tumour in children. They most frequently occur in children under 7, and are almost universally fatal, with only 10% of patients surviving two years after diagnosis. 

We desperately need new therapies for DMG. We have recently identified a metabolic vulnerability in DMG and a new experimental drug that can exploit this vulnerability that is already in advanced clinical trials for other diseases. 

We will examine this further, using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of the target, and drug therapy studies in our advanced mouse models of DMG that closely replicate the human disease. Successful outcomes in this work will catalyse Phase II clinical trials of new therapies for children with DMG.

You will be based in the Molecular Therapeutics (Pitson) Laboratory, which has a strong focus on brain tumour research. You will have access to a vast array of resources, including human DMG cell lines for in vitro analysis, direct access to DMG and other paediatric brain tumour patient tissue, intracranial DMG patient-derived xenograft models in mice. 

The Pitson Lab is an integral part of Brain Tumour Research SA, which is a body that ultimately aims to translate research findings into better therapies for patients. This environment provides you with the ideal environment in which to understand the medical context of this research.    

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will analyse human DMG cells in vitro in response to experimental drugs, chemotherapies and radiation. You will also harvest, culture and manipulate DMG cells from freshly received DMG patient tumour tissue. 

Under supervision, you will conduct mouse studies involving intracranial implantation of human brain tumour cells into mice and imaging of tumour growth through bioluminescence and magnetic resonance imaging. You will also undertake CRSIPR/Cas9-based genetic modification of DMG cells in vitro and genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of cells and tumours.

This opportunity to contribute to a potentially life-impacting project will help launch your career in research or practice. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based at the CCB, which is a Medical Research Institute which carries out a world-class program of innovative research, making breakthrough discoveries in the fundamental causes of cancer, and translating these discoveries into new ways to prevent and treat this group of diseases.

The CCB is an alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia and boasts the largest concentration of cancer research in South Australia, currently hosting 22 full-time research group leaders and their teams.

CCB laboratories carry out research in leukaemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and colon cancer, focussing in the specialised areas of gene regulation, molecular signalling, translational oncology and cancer genomics. In addition to these laboratories, our ACRF cancer Genomics Facility is providing access to state-of-the-art genomics research equipment, computing technology and bioinformatics expertise to Adelaide BioMed Precinct and the wider research community.

Translation of new discoveries into clinical practice is strengthened by the co-localisation of the laboratories within a single Institute, as well as its proximity and close collaboration with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and SAHMRI.

The CCB also has alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies to rapidly exploit new discoveries. The Institute aims to be a hub of internationally recognized cancer research excellence, achieving tangible outcomes for cancer patients.

The CCB is a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 (2025 rate) 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 for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West Campus in the heart of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

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 Monday 25 November 2024.