About the project
This project develops targeted delivery of antisense oligonucleotides for lung diseases such as cancer, asthma, and COPD. Conjugates will target lung cell receptors, with optimised linkers for recognition, transfection, and endosomal release. Designed for lung deposition, the system will be tested in organoid models, enabling novel, animal-free therapies.
Targeted delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides remains a challenge. While several efficient transfection vectors such as lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers or viral vectors are in clinical use, they usually lack specificity. This project aims to evaluate targeted delivery of oligonucleotide and their respective conjugates to the lung, which will be achieved through a directed, non-invasive delivery of the therapeutic oligonucleotide.
As part of the Horizon Europe funded project ON-TRACT, we will synthesise antisense oligonucleotides targeting acute or chronic lung disease such as lung cancer, asthma or COPD. These will be conjugated to target specific receptors on the lung cell surface, and will include optimisation of the linker properties for recognition, transfection and endosomal release. Ultimately, the design of the system for lung relevant deposition methods will lead to a novel treatment method which can be evaluated in lung organoid models, thus avoiding animal testing.
You'll receive training in all scientific aspects around DNA chemistry, organic synthesis, purification and analysis. As this project is part of a European Doctoral Network, there are several network wide training weeks at different European locations planned, where both scientific as well as transferable skills training will be delivered.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
In addition to the University of Southampton supervisor, this project has the following external supervisors:
- Professor Carlo Vascotto (UNIUD)
- Dr Johanna Salomon (Astrazeneca)
