The Effect of Immunosuppressant Mycophenolic Acid on Gene Expression, DNA Damage and Genomic Stability Aston University

Overview

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the active ingredient of mycophenolate mofetil, a broadly used immunosuppressant, recommended for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to avoid organ rejection in transplantations. MPA is a specific and potent inhibitor of the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, preventing the de novo synthesis of GTP. 

Although it is generally believed that MPA only, or at least mainly, affects B and T lymphocytes, which singularly depend on the de novo pathway for GTP synthesis, we have shown that MPA-mediated GTP depletion affects the gene expression of RNA polymerase III in different cell types1. Furthermore, we now have preliminary data that MPA can result in DNA damage in several cell types, even when used in clinically relevant concentrations.

The Effect of Immunosuppressant Mycophenolic Acid on Gene Expression, DNA Damage and Genomic Stability course at  Aston University  will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which MPA treatment can impact gene expression and DNA repair, result in DNA damage and affect cell survival.  We will use different human cell lines and examine the adverse effects of ionising radiation and chemotherapeutic DNA damage drugs, that mimic cancer treatments at the cellular level, on cells treated with MPA. 

Career prospects

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.