Bachelor/master projects

Project 1: Innovative Approaches to study DNA and Drug Discovery: Targeting Protein Expression with guideDNA-Ligand Conjugates

Project Description:

Are you interested in pioneering studies of DNA and the future of drug discovery? Join our cutting-edge research project where we challenge the traditional paradigm of targeting proteins directly. Instead, we focus on a revolutionary approach: preventing the formation of disease-related proteins from the very beginning.

In this project, you will be part of a dynamic team (including Sjoerd Wanrooij lab) developing novel strategies to modulate protein expression on the DNA level using guide DNA conjugated to specific ligands. By designing and synthesizing these unique molecules that specifically target certain DNA structures, we aim to selectively influence the expression of specific proteins. Besides giving insights to how DNA function, this offers new therapeutic possibilities for various diseases, with a current focus on cancer.

Project 2: Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Design and Synthesis of Potent Small Molecule Therapies

Project Description:

Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. With a median survival of approximately 6 months and a 5-year survival rate below 11%, PDAC has one of the poorest survival rates among cancers. This dire prognosis is largely due to the lack of effective drugs that can improve disease outcomes. Often, metastases are already present at the time of diagnosis, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment strategies.

In response to this critical challenge, the labs of Erik Chorell and Daniel Öhlund, in collaboration with the Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), conducted a comprehensive screening of a library of nearly 36,000 small molecules. This effort led to the identification of promising lead compounds with strong activity against PDAC cell lines. Our project aims to further develop these compounds, advancing them towards potential therapeutic applications.

What You Will Gain:

Hands-on Experience: Engage in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and cutting-edge research methodologies in one or a combination of: design of new molecules, organic chemistry ligand development, peptide synthesis, DNA oligonucelotide conjugations, mechanism of action studies, and biophysical studies to test the most recent molecular design idea.
Innovative Thinking: Develop and test new hypotheses in the rapidly evolving field of gene and protein regulation, the role of specific DNA structures, mechanism of action studies, pancreatic cancer development, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and new therapeutic modalities.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced researchers and fellow students in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
Professional Growth: Enhance your knowledge of DNA structures and/or pancreatic cancer and your skills in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and biophysical chemistry while continuously discussing the project with experts in our team and collaborators in molecular biology, cell biology, and oncology. This will prepare you for advanced studies or careers in life sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Why Join Us:

Be a Pioneer: Contribute to groundbreaking research focused on DNA structures or pancreatic cancer therapy that could transform how we approach drug discovery and treatment strategies.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Benefit from the intersection of chemistry, biology, and drug discovery, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process and studies of DNA.
Make a Difference: Your work could be the start of new ways to target DNA and modulate gene expression or target pancreatic cancer, paving the way for novel therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs.

Join us in this exciting journey to use the specificity of DNA to innovate and redefine drug discovery!