Use of a novel conjugation approach to generate a long-acting growth hormone receptor antagonist

Targeting the growth hormone (GH) signalling pathway could be an effective therapeutic approach for certain types of cancer. However, a lack of access to therapeutics that target GH or the GH receptor has hindered preclinical studies in this field.

Our group has identified a potent GH receptor antagonist (GHA) that effectively inhibits the actions of GH. It is a 22 kDa protein inhibitor and typically, small therapeutic proteins are eliminated in the circulation in a matter of minutes to hours. To improve the circulating half-life, we are developing a novel long-acting GHA conjugate using advanced materials.

This project can be undertaken as a Masters by Research. It will be co-supervised by Dr Yue Wang and Associate Professor Jo Perry. 

• Bachelors or Masters degree in biomedical science, pharmacology, biochemistry or related.
• Background knowledge in medical science (e.g. cancer biology) or protein/peptide science.
• Some experience in laboratory techniques such as pipetting, sample preparation, gel electrophoresis and plate-based assays.

• Partial scholarships may be available for suitable candidates.
  

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