Morphine metabolites and tumour growth and metastasis

Our laboratory has studied in depth the effect of morphine on tumour growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition to opioid receptor-mediated actions, opioids are able to interact with the non-opioid receptor TLR4 which is present on cancer and stromal, especially immune cells in a tumour. We now propose to test the effect of the opioid receptor-inactive but TLR4 active morphine metabolite M3G on tumour growth and metastasis in vitro. The project will involve cell-based assays.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

Successful applicants can expect to learn laboratory based techniques such as cell culture or qRT-PCR, generate data, analyse them and organize them for dissemination.

Suitable for:

This project is open to applications from students with laboratory skills and a background in pharmacy, chemistry, biology. Previous experience with cell culture or qRT-PCR is an advantage.