PhD Studentship: From Microbiome to Medicine: Understanding How Anaerobic Bacteria Cause Prostate Cancer

Primary supervisor - Prof Colin Cooper

It is well established that bacteria can cause human cancer, with, for example, Helicobacter pylori implicated in the development of gastric cancer and colibactin-producing bacteria thought to induce colorectal cancer. In contrast, the aetiology of prostate cancer is largely unknown, with the exception that genetics and race are established components. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and ~397,000 men die every year, with double the incidence in Black men compared to Caucasian men. From studies of urine and the prostate, we have recently identified a set of five anaerobic bacteria, known as the Anaerobic Bacteria Biomarker Set (ABBS), that, when present, are associated with the development of aggressive prostate cancer [1]. This PhD is about investigating whether the presence of the ABBS bacteria is directly causing prostate cancer development. Seven potential ways in which specific anaerobic bacteria could result in cancer have been described, including inducing DNA damage, modulating the immune system, and impacting cellular control pathways [2] (https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001817). The candidate will investigate these and/or other potential mechanisms to establish whether individual bacteria can initiate specific cancer-causing mechanisms. The project is linked to work carried out as part of the Pan Prostate Cancer Group (https://panprostate.org/), an international consortium involving nine countries worldwide. 

Potential impact 

This research will provide evidence for how specific anaerobic bacteria can contribute to prostate cancer progression. This information will support the setting up of a clinical trial where anti-microbial agents are used to prevent prostate cancer development, resulting in significant improvements of the lives of a huge number of men. 

Techniques and skills training 

During the PhD you will become an expert in a range of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell and cancer biology techniques. For example, anaerobic bacteria culture and human cell co-culture infection models; cell viability assays and cancer invasion and migration assays; ELISA, quantitative PCR, DNA damage assays, immunohistochemistry and fluorescent microscopy. You will gain expertise in research skills in cancer biology, cancer epigenomics and methylation, microbiology and pathogen infection models. There is also the opportunity to train in bioinformatics with in-house mentoring. 

About the lab Department

You will be part of the Cancer Genetics team at the Norwich Medical School which is an interdisciplinary team comprising a mixture of bioinformaticians, lab-based scientists, and clinicians. We have a broad interest in translational cancer based molecular studies with the aim of improving patient care, with close linked to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The majority of prostate cancer, when diagnosed, is indolent with only a small proportion of aggressive disease. The overall theme of the laboratory's work is to develop biomarkers and classification that can be used to identify aggressive prostate cancer, in addition to understanding disease development and leveraging mechanisms of disease prevention. 

Entry requirements

This project will suit highly motivated candidates with: 

• Background in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and/or cancer research, or cancer bioinformatics. 
• UK Masters, or Undergraduate degree (Minimum of a 2:1) in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Applied Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or Biomedical Science or a strongly related discipline, or equivalent qualifications outside the UK 

Start date: 1 February 2026 

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