Research Intern - Melanoma Medical Oncology - Research

A Research Intern position is available in the department of Melanoma Oncology. The trainee will participate in research activities under the mentorship of Dr. Chandrani Chattopadhyay at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The training will focus on gaining exposure to cancer research methods, translational research concepts, data interpretation, and the scientific process within an academic oncology setting. Activities may include review of relevant literature, participation in research meetings, conduct laboratory research, assistance with data organization and analysis, and contribution to the preparation of research summaries, abstracts, presentations, or manuscripts as appropriate.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this experience, the trainee is expected to develop a stronger understanding of how research questions are formulated, how experimental or clinical data are collected and interpreted, and how findings are communicated in a scientific setting. The trainee will also gain familiarity with responsible conduct of research and the role of translational research in advancing cancer care.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

* Applicant must hold a bachelor's or master's degree

* Applicant must have previous research experience in a similar setting

Applicants are expected to have a basic background in biology, medicine, public health, or a related scientific discipline. Preference may be given to individuals who have completed relevant coursework or have prior exposure to laboratory, clinical, or translational research.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Proposed Project

Description:

Uveal melanoma (UM) develops from the melanocytes in the eye and even though the primary disease is treatable the metastatic disease in liver has very poor prognosis with median survival less than a year. Our laboratory has shown that uveal melanoma has high OXPHOS and inhibition of this metabolic pathway, using Imipridones, results in lower cell survival, tumor growth reduction and improved survival in preclinical models.

But long-term treatment of mice with OXPHOS inhibitors results in acquired resistance and tumor recurrence. Thus, effective combination therapies are necessary for efficient and durable response. The activation of the PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways play an essential role in the pathogenesis of uveal melanoma, and mutations in the G protein subunit alpha q (GNAQ), and G protein subunit alpha
11 (GNA
11) genes are considered early events in the development of uveal melanoma. Compared to other PKC inhibitors, such as sotrastaurin and enzastaurin, darovasertib is significantly more potent in inhibiting conventional PKC proteins and has a better tolerability and safety profile.

In the current study, we will evaluate the above combination (Imipridone+ Darovasertib) in UM cells in controlling cell survival, apoptosis and signaling pathways. We have a good repertoire of genetically well annotated UM cell lines in our laboratory, and they will be used for cell survival assays, cell cycle assays and western blot analysis to achieve the above-mentioned goals.

Projected Outcomes for Short-term Student Project:
The student can prepare posters and presentations with the data procured from this study as well as be included in the future manuscript that has been planned to report the results of combination therapy and biomarkers of response.

POSITION INFORMATION

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

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