PhD Studentship: Switching on Cell Death (Ferroptosis) in Cancer by Combining Traditional and Modern Medicine

Primary supervisor: Professor Yongping Bao

Phytochemicals play a key role in cancer management. For example, paclitaxel from Taxus brevifolia has been used for treatment of approximately 60% cancers. however, the supply falls short of demand, i.e. one patient treatment demands 6 trees. Therefore, it is urgent to identify more active anticancer agents or use them in combinations. Epidemiological studies showed that high consumption of cruciferous vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer, and the protection was attributed to glucosinolate-breakdown products isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane. 

This PhD project offers an opportunity to explore potential novel therapeutic ways of activating ferroptosis against cancer. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered iron dependent non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death is normally evaded by cancer cells. However, it presents a novel opportunity for the targeted destruction of a tumor. Its core feature is the accumulation of lipid peroxides within the cell, leading to cellular dysfunction and death. Intriguingly, mesenchymal and dedifferentiated cancer cells, which are usually resistant to apoptosis and traditional therapies, are exquisitely vulnerable to ferroptosis. 

Our recent studies have discovered compounds in traditional Chinese medicinal and dietary plants (eriodictyol and sulforaphane) capable of inducing cancer cell specific ferroptosis. Using these in combination with other compounds to sensitise the cells holds a lot of therapeutic potential. 

Activation of the tumor suppressing gene p53 in cancer cells, by inhibiting the p53 inhibitor MDM2, has been shown to strongly sensitise cancer cells to ferroptosis. It exerts its ferroptosis-mediated tumor-inhibiting function by suppressing expression of the cystine transporter protein SLC7A11. 

In this PhD, you will aim to identify synergism between eriodictyol, sulforaphane and/or the MDM2 inhibitors with enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effect. Firstly, in cell-based models of breast cancer, and then novel results will be tested in in vivo models using nano encapsulation of the compounds to achieve targeted tumor delivery. 

The project provides interdisciplinary training in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and drug discovery. With full access to all platforms and facilities across the institutes at the Norwich Research Park (NRP).  

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry is a 2:1 bachelor's degree in biological Sciences; cell biology, oncology, or biomedicine. 

Start Date: 1 October 2026

Funding Details

This 3-year PhD project is funded by the Cancer Research Trust Fund and open to Home applicants only. The successful candidate will receive full tuition fees and an annual tax-free maintenance stipend starting at £21,805 in the first year, and £1,000 per annum to support research training. 

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