In vitro proof of concept of MC1R-targeted photodynamic therapy: a potential therapeutic alternative for Dubreuilh melanoma

The objective of this PhD project is to establish proof of concept for the use of targeted photodynamic therapy in the treatment of Dubreuilh’s melanoma.

To reduce the risk of recurrence following excision of the primary tumor and to limit the side effects of anticancer treatments, our project aims to evaluate a multimodal nanoplatform based on the functionalization of gold nanoparticles with:

• A peptide vector, NDP-MSH, targeting the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is overexpressed in melanoma tumor cells, and
•  A photosensitizing agent, pyro-pheophorbide a (PPa).

This nanoplatform will be evaluated in vitro using different murine and human melanoma cell lines. In parallel, we will also evaluate the photosensitizing agent alone and the molecular construct consisting of the photosensitizer (PPa) conjugated to the NDP-MSH peptide.

The INSERM UMR 1240 unit, affiliated with Université Clermont Auvergne, and attached to the ITMO “Technologies for Health” and the CLARA cancer research cluster, has as its main objectives the development and clinical transfer of new tools and/or targets for treatment and therapeutic monitoring, primarily in oncology.

The unit’s strategy is based on the development of molecular vectors that selectively deliver active compounds with diagnostic and therapeutic properties to a specific molecular, cellular, or tissue target, or to a signaling pathway. Radiolabeling these vectors opens up promising applications in internal radiotherapy (IRT) and/or scintigraphic imaging. The use of these same vector structures to selectively deliver non-radioactive active compounds (e.g., targeted therapies, nano-objects, etc.) to the same targets is also being evaluated.

We are currently looking for a highly motivated candidate to apply for funding through the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, which supports outstanding international students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in France.

This application will be submitted as part of the Eiffel Scholarship selection process.

For more information about the program, please visit the official Campus France website: 

https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/le-programme-de-bourses-france-excellence-eiffel

The candidate must have a foreign nationality (French nationals are not eligible) and must not be currently studying in France or enrolled in any French institution.

Given the multidisciplinary scope of this project, the candidate should demonstrate curiosity and a particular interest in the interface between chemistry and biology. 

Skills in chemistry and/or biology, or at least in one of these areas, including nanoparticle synthesis and characterization (TEM, IR, DLS, HPLC), click chemistry, and 2D cell culture with biochemical analyses (Western blot, flow cytometry) would be an asset.

Personal qualities will be sought: teamwork and integration skills, effective time management, integrity in experimental work, commitment to quality.