MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Unlocking the Role of Annexin A1 in Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis: A New Avenue for Therapy

About this opportunity

Annexin-A1, a protein involved in inflammation and tissue repair, is overexpressed in up to 85% of pancreatic cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Growing evidence suggests Annexin-A1 drives metastasis, influences drug sensitivity, and shapes the tumour microenvironment. However, its precise role in metastatic progression remains unclear. Our previous work shows that immune cell infiltration patterns are closely linked to both metastasis and resistance to therapy. This project will explore how Annexin-A1 expression in immune cells promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.

The student will employ a combination of advanced experimental and translational research approaches. Using patient-derived blood, pancreatic, and liver samples, Annexin-A1 expression will be analysed via flow cytometry and multiplexing tissue imaging. Pre-clinical models will be used to assess the therapeutic impact of inhibiting Annexin-A1 alone or in combination with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, using the clinical-stage anti-Annexin-A1 antibody MDX124 (developed by Medannex). Analysis will include in vivo imaging, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and flow/mass cytometry. All models, ethical approvals, and technologies are already established, ensuring rapid project progression.

This project offers a unique academic-industry collaboration between our research team at the University of Liverpool and a UK-based biopharmaceutical company. The academic supervisors Professors Ainhoa Mielgo and Michael Schmid, are experts in pancreatic cancer biology and metastasis, while the industry supervisor Dr Fiona Dempsey brings extensive experience in oncology drug development and biologics. Together, they provide complementary expertise spanning discovery research and clinical translation. The student will have the opportunity to work across both environments, gaining a rare perspective on how fundamental findings move towards therapeutic application.

Training will include advanced technical skills in tumour immunology, imaging, cytometry, and in vivo cancer models, as well as professional development in data analysis, communication, research integrity, and sustainability in biomedical research. The student will participate in regular lab meetings, one-to-one supervision, and interdisciplinary collaborations with clinicians and scientists, building a strong professional network. By the end of the PhD, the student will be equipped with a comprehensive, transferable skillset applicable to both academic and industrial careers.

Findings from this project may identify new biomarkers and inform combination therapy design, directly supporting the development of MDX124. This project offers outstanding training in discovery and translational cancer research and will contribute to the development of more effective treatments for one of the deadliest human cancers.

For more information, please visit our lab website: www.livtme.com

Or you can also watch this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3oTwSWUz-o

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond.

Further information on the programme and instructions on how to apply, including a link to the application portal, can be found on our website https://www.dimen.org.uk/

iCASE industrial partner web link: Home page – Medannex

Further reading

Who is this for?

Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second Class degree classification, or a Second Class degree plus a Master’s degree. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided by the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) formerly NARIC as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.

For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent University of Liverpool acceptable English language qualification. For further details and other acceptable English language qualifications please see here: http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/international/countries/english-language/

Funding your PhD

Studentships are fully funded by the MRC for 4yrs, including a minimum of 3 months working with an industry partner.   Funding will cover tuition fees and an enhanced stipend (£23,280 for 2024/2025) and project costs. We have a very small number of funded studentships for exceptional international applicants.   Please read additional guidance here: View Website

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.