Exploring chemoprevention: Investigating the impact of novel Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on breast cells and onset of tumours using a Body-on-a-chip model

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a group of chemicals that can alter the normal functioning of the body’s hormonal system and can have harmful effects. EDCs can also be found in everyday products like food preservatives, plastic packaging, cosmetics, personal care products, fragrances, and pharmaceutical drugs. There is growing evidence suggesting that EDCs entering human breast tissues from various sources is one of the important contributors to the globally increasing risk of breast cancer. To understand this link better, we will study the effect of certain newly identified EDCs on cells in the breast including both normal and stem cells (SCs). SCs are a small group of unspecialized cells residing in the breast which plays a crucial role in inducing breast cancer. Our initial studies used a series of online tools to analyze the health and safety-related data of the EDCs used in food contact materials and have identified five new potentially harmful EDCs that could increase the risk of cancer. In the present study will study the impact of the identified EDCs on breast cells by evaluating their ability to increase cell growth and activate or inhibit the production of reproductive hormones such as oestrogens using commercially available kits. Furthermore, the effect of the selected EDCs on the functioning of normal breast stem cells will be assessed using specific assays to understand their role in causing cancer. Finally, we will use advanced models (body-on-chip) that can mimic a human body to confirm our findings in a more realistic environment. In summary, the proposal aims to understand how novels EDCs from food contact materials can affect breast cells and stem cells to increase the risk of cancer. By understanding this, we can develop new ways to prevent breast cancer along with raising awareness that can empower individuals to make informed choices.

We are looking for an enthusiastic student interested in exploring the role of novel EDCs in breast tumorigenesis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their research skills in techniques such as:

1. Culture of different normal breast cell lines and generating CSC-enriched spheroid cultures.
2. Perform techniques such as cell proliferation assays, receptor binding assay, transcriptional activation assay and steroidogenesis.
3. Evaluating the effect of EDCs on normal stem cells by assessing stem cell functional assays such as a) single cell colony formation assay; Aldeflour assay and epigenetic analysis.
4. Grow multiple immortalised human cell lines from different tissues on multi organ chambers to create a “body-on-chip” (BOC) model.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold (or to soon achieve) a minimum upper second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in biosciences including Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or related discipline. A Masters degree in a relevant subject and/or experience in laboratory-based research are also desirable.

In addition to the academic requirements for the project the following skills and behaviours would be advantageous:

• A curiosity to expand your knowledge of business practices and how research insights can be translated into consumer applications
• An appreciation of the benefits of stakeholder management
• The ability to tailor information to the needs of different audiences

How to apply

Formal applications can be made through the University of Bradford web site. Applicants should register an account, and choose ‘Full-time PhD in Cancer Therapeutics’ as the course.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

Faculty of Life Sciences

The faculty comprises a mixture of academic divisions, research centres and outreach facilities. We provide high-quality teaching with a professional focus and engage in cutting-edge research – which we seek to apply through our extensive links with industry and business. We also offer a wide range of postgraduate taught and research courses.

Many of our academics are active researchers and international research experts.

Our interdisciplinary research themes are focus on:

• Computational and Data-driven Science
• Interface of Chemistry Biology and Materials
• Health, Society, People and Place
• The Life Course

Our research centres include:

• Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science
• Digital Health Enterprise Zone
• Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
• Wolfson Centre for Applied Research

University investment in research support services, equipment and infrastructure provides an excellent research environment and broad portfolio of developmental opportunities.

Positive Action Statement

At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level. 

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.