Research Topic
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) represents one of the most lethal cancers in humans. The targeted therapy developed here aims to inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis of cancer cells with an original therapeutic peptide (TP). A vectoring peptide (VP) specifically delivers TP to the cancer cells via EGFR targeting after coupling them in an original pharmacological combination that induces apoptosis. The present project is dedicated to the pharmacological and toxicological characterization of our peptide formulations, using in vitro an in vivo ATC models. Moreover, the project aims to design theranostic tools combining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into complex nanosystem technologies dedicated to the delivery, treatment and monitoring of ATC therapeutic success by molecular imaging.
The main objectives of the internship program are the following:
- In vivo validation of targeted therapy
- Development of theranostic nanosystems for imaging and treatment
- Evaluation of the therapeutic and toxicity effects of the developed agents
Mission of the trainee:
- Participation in experiments performed in vitro and/or in vivo by using conventional laboratory techniques, e.g., cell cultures, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, TUNNEL, Western Blot, RTqPCR, proteomic studies
- Data analysis and contribution to the writing of scientific reports
Profile:
- Master’s student in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy or related field, with a foundation in cellular and molecular biology and an interest in oncology and pharmacology.
- Skills in experimental science, scientific rigor and ethics, as well as critical thinking skills are expected.
Place of work:
- Department of Organic and Biomedical General Chemistry, Mendeleev Building, UMONS campus Plaine de Nimy
Mission duration:
- minimum 3 months up to 12 months
- Start: 14/09/2026 (flexible date)
- End: 30/06/2027 (flexible date)