Jake’s PhD research could pave the way for new cancer treatments
He reflects on discovery, setbacks, and impact after completing his PhD.
Meet Jake, who completed his Big C funded PhD at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2024. As a keen organic chemist, he set out to explore how small molecules could be designed to outsmart cancer.
Before his PhD, Jake completed a BSc in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences at the University of Brighton, followed by an MSc in Advanced Organic Chemistry at UEA. He had a passion for organic chemistry and his curiosity about how molecules could become medicines led him towards the field of drug discovery.
“A PhD is one of the few ways to enter the drug discovery field as an organic chemist, so it was a natural step for me.”
Jake first learned about the project that would become his PhD during a conversation with his MSc supervisor. Although, he didn’t know at the time that it was funded by Big C, he was intrigued by the research opportunity.
The research:
Cancer cells thrive by silencing the tumour suppressor proteins that normally regulate cell growth. One approach they use is to over produce certain enzymes that cause these protective proteins to breakdown.
Jake’s PhD focused on identifying molecules that can inhibit the activity of these cancer enzymes. These would serve as starting points for further optimisation into new cancer therapies.
“I wanted to strengthen my synthetic organic chemistry skills while gaining experience in medicinal chemistry. This project had both and the chance to collaborate with biologists at UEA made it even more exciting.”
Jake’s work laid the foundation for a new class of molecules that could one day help restore the body’s natural defences against cancer.
Who might this research help?
The molecules Jake studied could support the development of targeted cancer therapies that preserve tumour suppressor proteins. This could improve long-term survival in certain cancers, by preventing tumour growth at the molecular level.
“This work adds valuable insight into how we can interrupt cancer at the earliest stages. It’s one step toward developing drugs that may improve treatment outcomes for future patients,” Jake explains.
Overcoming challenges
Like many PhD researchers, Jake faced challenging moments. Dealing with the shortcomings of the research was one of them.
“One of the hardest parts was learning through failure,” he admits. “You sometimes realise, after months of work with little success, that you would now have to do things differently to progress. But that’s part of the process.”
He further reflected, “If you’re going to make mistakes, it’s best to do it during your PhD, because the lessons stay with you long after.”
Being a Big C supported student
Jake reflected on his experience with Big C. “In my third year, I was invited to a Big C Research Spotlight Day. It was invaluable to present my work to people affected by cancer.”
Moreover, he also noted the importance of being supported fairly: “Big C’s funding made a big difference. My monthly stipend meant much less financial anxiety, which allowed me to focus on delivering high-quality research.”
Next Steps
Jake is currently working as a Synthetic/Medicinal Chemist at Sygnature Discovery making molecules as part of research towards generating therapies.
“Doing a PhD teaches you how to take a project from concept to reality and communicate what you’ve found at every level. It’s shown me that I’m capable of driving research forward, and now I’m ready for what’s next.”
Publications
Jake’s research is already making a mark. If you would like to read more, then click on the research articles where his research group has published two peer-reviewed scientific articles describing the synthesis and function of these molecules;
- Click here to read the article where detail of this molecule to disrupt important cancer proteins
- Click here to read another article that suggests its potential drug targets.
- Click here to read an additional article presenting a more efficient synthetic route to produce a key chemical intermediate.
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