Introduction
The GDSC is a research centre investigating the responses of cells to genome damage and their relationship to cancer and other aspects of human disease. The purpose-built laboratories, funded by the Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF), the Wolfson Foundation and the University, are located adjacent to the School of Life Sciences, and provide a dynamic and collaborative environment for carrying out state-of -the-art research. Much of this research is supported by the Medical Research Council via a Centre Grant and Programme Grants. The Centre currently houses eleven research groups.
PhD Programme in Cancer Research and DNA damage responses
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Summary
Our genomes are our most precious possessions. They are made up of long molecules of DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid) that contain the genetic blueprint that tells every part of our body how to function. Unfortunately our DNA is continually being damaged, for example in skin cells - by sunlight, in our intestinal cells - by carcinogens in food, and in all our cells - simply by existing at body temperature. Luckily our cells contain sophisticated mechanisms for repairing this damage and thereby protecting our genomes.
It is these protective processes that are the focus of the work of the Genome Damage and Stability Centre at Sussex. Part of our research is the study into several genetic diseases in which one of these repair systems is faulty. This results in the affected individuals having very high incidences of cancer, more than 1000 times higher than in the general population. By discovering the nature of the defects in people with these disorders, we are able not only to help diagnose and cure these conditions, but also to gain general insights into how cancers can arise and develop. This will hasten the day when cures for this major killer will be found.
The Centre enables scientists of different disciplines to be housed in one building and benefit from mutual interests. Our work ranges from studies on the protein molecules that repair DNA inside cells, to the genes that are altered or mutated in cancer cells, through to investigations on cancer-prone people to identify other useful targets in the war against cancer.
Why "Genome Damage and Stability Centre"?
- Cellular DNA (encoding our genetic information) is continually subject to damage.
- To counteract the deleterious effects of genome damage, our cells have a variety of ways to repair and respond to DNA damage.
- These damage responses are essential for maintaining our genetic information.
- Instability of, or changes to, our genetic information result in hereditary diseases and cancer.
Our goals
- To provide a "centre of excellence" for basic research.
- Effective and efficient infrastructure.
- Collaborative and informal environment.
- To attract high quality scientists at all levels.
- Build a reputation for scientific excellence.
- Supportive and collegial atmosphere.
- To provide training for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students.
- Attract motivated and interested students and postdocs.