Dissecting the dual role of guanylate binding proteins in glioblastoma tumour cells and microenvironment

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Medical Studies
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 25-10 PMS-S3-P1 Ming Li
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on  applying for a postgraduate research degree .
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Dissecting the dual role of guanylate binding proteins in glioblastoma tumour cells and microenvironment
Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Ming Li
2nd Supervisor: Dr Mahmoud Labib
3rd Supervisor: Dr Ellie Edlmann
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project description

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of brain cancer, with a median survival of less than 15 months despite standard-of-care interventions such as surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide (TMZ). Recurrence is nearly universal, driven by intrinsic tumour resistance and a profoundly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies that target both tumour-intrinsic mechanisms and immune evasion.
Our recent research has identified guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) – a family of interferon-inducible GTPases – as key regulators of GBM progression and immune suppression. We have shown that GBPs are overexpressed in GBM and associated with poor prognosis. Notably, GBPs also contribute to TMZ resistance. GBPs are also enriched in tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), where they help maintain an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Genetic deletion of GBPs in either GBM cells or TAMs reduces tumour growth and extends survival in preclinical models, highlighting their potential as dual-function therapeutic targets.
This project will:
1. Investigate the role of GBPs in tumour growth and drug resistance using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene inactivation;
2. Elucidate the impact of GBPs on the immune microenvironment using GBP knockout mouse models and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyse TAM polarisation and T cell dynamics.
This research has the potential to transform GBM treatment by identifying novel therapeutic targets that simultaneously suppress tumour growth and modulate the immune response. By sensitising tumours to immunotherapy, it could pave the way for more effective combination treatments in a cancer type with currently limited options.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as cell biology, biomedical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field. A masters degree (MSc or MRes) in a relevant subject is desirable but not essential.
Essential criteria:
  • background in cell biology, immunology, or molecular biology
  • experience with laboratory-based research (e.g., cell culturing, molecular techniques, bioinformatics, flow cytometry)
  • ability to work independently and as part of a research team
  • strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rate TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee rates.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Ming Li .

How to apply

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above and for your application to be considered, please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé.
  • Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College .
The closing date for applications is 12 midnight (UK time) on 30 June 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.