Developing Next-Generation Targeted Therapeutics for Cancer: Exploring Antibody-Drug Conjugates and mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles
Key information
Research topics
This is a summer student position supervised by Yuxi Cheng in Charlie McTernan's lab.
Introduction to the Science
The primary challenge in cancer treatment is selectively killing tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue. Our team is focused on designing and optimising novel targeted therapeutic delivery systems.
These technologies act like 'molecular postcodes,' ensuring potent therapeutics or genetic instructions are delivered directly to cancer cells. This approach aims to dramatically minimise severe side effects in patients and maximise the therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumour agents, advancing the field of precision medicine.
About the Project
This project will explore two cutting-edge targeted platforms: Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying therapeutic messenger RNA (mRNA).
ADCs combine the specificity of an antibody with the killing power of a chemotherapy drug via a chemical linker. LNPs are nanoscale carriers that protect and transport mRNA into target cells.
Once internalised, the mRNA is translated to produce therapeutic proteins or tumour-associated antigens that can modulate immune responses or inhibit cancer progression. The student will be involved in optimising and characterising the performance of these systems. For ADCs, this might involve analysing the stability of the ADC complexes and release kinetics of the payloads in vitro. For LNPs, the focus could be on characterising the selective transfection efficiency of the mRNA cargo in targeted cells. The student will gain hands-on experience in advanced cell culture, analytical chemistry methods (such as chromatography), and biochemical assays to measure drug cytotoxicity and gene expression.
Candidate background
The post holder should embody and demonstrate the Crick ethos and ways of working: bold, open and collegial. The candidate must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution, studying in the UK and must have completed a minimum of two years’ undergraduate study in a relevant discipline, and on track to receive a final degree grade of 2:1 or 1. In addition, they should be able demonstrate the following experience and key competencies:
- This project is ideal for a candidate studying biomedical science, chemistry, pharmacy, or nanotechnology. A strong interest in the fundamentals of drug development and molecular biology, and performing careful, hands-on laboratory experiments are essential for success in this role.
- Good knowledge in relevant scientific area(s)
- Good written and spoken communication skills
- Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group
References
1. Kang, D.D., Marks, A., Morla-Folch, J., Dong, Y., Brown, B.D. and Teunissen, A.J.P. (2025)
Targeting and tracking mRNA lipid nanoparticles at the particle, transcript and protein level.
Nature Biomedical Engineering 9: 1591–1609. PubMed abstract
2. Tsuchikama, K., Anami, Y., Ha, S.Y.Y. and Yamazaki, C.M. (2024)
Exploring the next generation of antibody-drug conjugates.
Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology 21: 203–223. PubMed abstract