Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are cell membrane fragments released constitutively and upon activation from almost all mammalian cell types into their extracellular environment and into body fluids. The cellular and molecular basis of MVs on targeting cells are still not fully understood but mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated. The specificity of these target cells for binding of EVs is likely to be determined by adhesion molecules. After binding to the recipient cells, EVs either fuse with the plasma membrane or are internalised through specific endocytic pathways.
EVs have the capacity to modulate the phenotype of the target cells. This effect is due to the diverse of RNA, DNA and proteins they carry and transfer into the target cells. Students taking this research project study effective mechanisms for development of EVs as a nanocarrier for anticancer drug delivery system. Two strategies for loading MVs with cytotoxic drugs will be used in this project, the endogenous and exogenous methods. Students compare the efficacy of both techniques by exposing different types of cancer cells to drug loaded EVs. SKILLS: Acquiring depth knowledge of topic and issue; Awareness of different research methodologies. Developing skills in comparing, analysing and evaluating scholarly writing; Understanding of scientific writing, debates and competing arguments. Abstract (approximately 300 words): An overview of every aspect of the project and should end with the projects key finding(s) Introduction (approximately 2000 words): An exploration of the research literature linked to the project in order to set the scene for the research questions being asked Methods (approximately 800 words): This is a clear statement of what was undertaken in order to run the project such that other people could follow, and repeat, the work in the future. It should include a section on the statistical method(s) chosen to evaluate the findings.
Results (approximately 1000 words): This is where the findings from the project are presented in the clearest way possible. This section benefits strongly from the use of appropriate graphics and integrated statistical significance indicators. This section can also use images and tables but remember to add always add an informative legend to each figure used that explains what the reader is viewing Discussion (approximately 1200 words): This is the part of the write up where the deeper evaluation of the project can be explored. This requires the student to reflect, review and evaluate how their project work fits in with, or challenges, the current thinking that was set out in the introduction. References: This is the list of the literature used in the research writeup. It is best done alphabetically but it must be in a Harvard Format There is an option to add acknowledgements, a glossary or terms, and appendices but remember the need to be concise. The dissertation has a limit of 5000 words (section included in the word count as above).
