All research studentships that are being offered by Brighton and Sussex Medical School are presented here.
BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Timothy Chevassut
Dr Sarah Newbury
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) to undertake an exciting project to study RNA stability in haematological cancer. The primary aim of the project is to elucidate the function of a novel tumour suppressor gene called DIS3, an RNA exonuclease, in two common forms of blood cancer, multiple myeloma (MM) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The project will be carried out at the BSMS Medical Research Building on the Falmer campus of the University of Sussex.
Cancer arises due to the progressive acquisition of genetic mutations. Recently, whole genome/exome sequencing technology has identified DIS3 as a novel tumour suppressor gene frequently mutated in haematological cancer. DIS3, a conserved RNA exonuclease that degrades RNA molecules in a 3’ to 5’ direction, is part of a protein complex known as the exosome which is involved in processing mRNAs and microRNAs.
The aim of the PhD project will be to study the consequences of DIS3 loss-of-function on myeloma and leukaemia cells and thereby determine its role in cancer progression. We shall perform transcriptional profiling and miRNA microarray analysis using DIS3-mutant cells. RNA interference studies using lentiviral infection of non-mutated myeloma cell lines will be performed to analyse the consequences of DIS3 knockdown on cell phenotype and drug sensitivity. Finally, we shall assess expression of putative DIS3 gene targets in primary bone marrow cells from patients using RT-PCR and western blotting to verify the major findings and confirm potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
This project represents an important collaboration between a clinical haematologist (Dr Chevassut) and a basic scientist (Dr Newbury). Dr Chevassut has worked and published on MM and AML and has established a tissue bank of bone marrow samples. Dr Newbury has extensive experience of work on ribonucleases in Drosophila and will bring important technical expertise to the project. Both investigators have previously collaborated on an investigation of miRNA biomarkers in MM which has produced a patented miRNA signature and pending publication.
The research environment at BSMS is highly conducive to a successful PhD project and the student can expect to experience excellent training in basic cellular and molecular techniques. These will include cell culture, processing of bone marrow samples, microscopy, RNA extraction, transcriptional profiling, lentiviral infection, RNA interference, RT-PCR, western blotting and immunolabelling. In addition, they will acquire important generic skills including dataset handling, statistical analysis, literature reviews, and paper/grant writing. They will also benefit from other opportunities including relevant training courses at Brighton and Sussex Universities, attendance at BSMS and University seminar series and participation in laboratory retreats. It is anticipated that they will submit abstracts to the annual BSH Conference and other key meetings and will aim to publish their findings in high quality journals alongside completion of their PhD thesis.
References
Chapman MA, Lawrence MS, Keats JJ, et al. Initial genome sequencing and analysis of multiple myeloma. Nature. 2011 Mar 24;471(7339):467-72.
Ding L, Ley TJ, Larson DE, et al. Clonal evolution in relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia revealed by whole-genome sequencing. Nature. 2012 Jan 11;481(7382):506-10.
Cairrão F, Arraiano C, Newbury S. Drosophila gene tazman, an orthologue of the yeast exosome component Rrp44p/Dis3, is differentially expressed during development. Dev Dyn. 2005 Mar;232(3):733-7.
Stewart HJ, Kishikova L, Powell FL, Wheatley SP, Chevassut TJ. The polo-like kinase inhibitor BI 2536 exhibits potent activity against malignant plasma cells and represents a novel therapy in multiple myeloma. Exp Hematol. 2011 Mar;39(3):330-8.
This 3.5-year PhD studentship is fully funded by Brighton and Sussex Medical School and includes a generous consumable budget for undertaking the proposed research. Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics or relevant related biomedical subject. Both UK and EU citizens can apply (home fees will be paid). Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Tim Chevassut (t.chevassut@bsms.ac.uk) and Dr Sarah Newbury (s.newbury@bsms.ac.uk).
Closing Date for applications – Monday 14 May 2012
BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Michael Tarzi
Dr Sarah Newbury
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School on the University of Sussex Campus. The studentship is funded by a Brighton and Sussex Medical School award.
The aim of the project is to study the role of secreted microRNAs in human asthma and allergic diseases. MicroRNAs are a recently-described family of non-coding RNAs whose function is post-transcriptional gene regulation. Secreted microRNAs are an even more recent development and probably serve as a form of intercellular communication. Secreted microRNAs are stable in the circulation and may be readily detected by molecular biology techniques. We have demonstrated particular patterns of secreted microRNA expression in the peripheral blood of patients with the blood cancer myeloma. At the present time there are no publications in the field of secreted microRNAs and allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema and rhinitis. To this further, secreted microRNAs will be studied in blood samples taken from patients with allergic asthma and from healthy volunteers. Candidate microRNAs will initially be detected by a microarray technique, then validated using real-time PCR. Expression patterns will be related to the clinical status of the patients to determine a microRNA ‘signature’ that may serve as a biomarker for human asthma.
Further work will define the role of T cells as a source of secreted microRNAs in allergic disease. T cells will be stimulated with allergens in vitro and microRNA expression determined in the culture supernatant; these results will then be compared to the expression patterns in allergic and non-allergic participants.
This project offers a wide range of training opportunities, including state-of-the-art laboratory techniques such as RNA microarrays, real-time PCR, cell culture and flow cytometry. Students will also develop an excellent appreciation of clinical allergy, to facilitate the interpretation of data in context. This should provide the successful candidate with critical skills and experience for a future research career, especially in the fields of molecular biology, T cell biology and allergy.
References
Chen X, Liang H, Zhang J, Zen K and Zhang CY (2011). Secreted microRNAs: a new form of intercellular communication. Trends Cell Biol 2012;22:125-32
Applicants for this BSMS-funded 3.5-year PhD starting in October 2012 should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics or a relevant biomedical related subject. Both UK and EU citizens can apply (home fees will be paid). Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Michael Tarzi (m.tarzi@bsms.ac.uk).
Closing Date for applications – Monday 14 May 2012
BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Professor Mara Cercignani
Dr Neil Harrison
Professor Hugo Critchley
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship to join the Clinical Imaging Science Centre (CISC) at the University of Sussex Campus. This studentship is funded by Brighton & Sussex Medical School.
The aim of the project is to develop novel multi-modal imaging techniques to study adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a developmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Stimulant medications which increase brain dopamine levels markedly improve symptoms in approximately 70% of patients. Precise mechanisms of action remain uncertain, however dysfunction within distributed deep-brain-cortical loops linking to dopamine rich regions in the mid-brain are central to all current neurophysiological models of ADHD. Neuroimaging studies partially support these theories; however the investigations carried out to date have important limitations. Firstly, relatively few have been conducted in adults. Secondly, due to poor contrast resolution none has been able to image critical dopamine rich mid-brain regions.
This project will optimise Magnetisation Transfer (MT) imaging (which provides excellent contrast resolution of deep grey matter structures) to characterise brain structural abnormalities in adults with ADHD. These images will then be used to inform structural and functional connectivity analyses of these regions and to investigate the effects of stimulant medication on functional connectivity. Participants will be recruited from a large database of ADHD patients seen locally. Together these studies will offer potentially unique insights into the role of dopamine rich mid-brain connectivity in ADHD and modulatory effects of stimulant medications.
This PhD will provide an outstanding training in a wide range of cutting edge imaging techniques (both functional and structural) as well as more general research methodologies. The successful candidate will be encouraged to present findings at international, national and local research conferences. The combination of a rigorous training in MR imaging techniques and application to a clinical population will provide the successful candidate with an excellent training in translational imaging research and make them a highly competitive candidate for future postdoctoral research positions, in the field of neuroscience and medical imaging.
References
Helms G, Draganski B, Frackowiak R, Ashburner J, Weiskopf N (2009). Improved segmentation of deep brain grey matter structures using magnetization transfer (MT) parameter maps. Neuroimage 47(1):194-8.
Cercignani M, Symms MR, Schmierer K, Boulby PA, Tozer DJ, Ron M, Tofts PS, Barker GJ (2005). Three-dimensional quantitative magnetisationtransfer imaging of the human brain. Neuroimage 27(2); 436-441.
Radulescu E, Ganeshan B, Minati L, Beacher F, Gray MA, Chatwin C, Young R, Harrison NA, Critchley HD (2012). Gray matter textural heterogeneity as a potential in-vivo biomarker of fine structural abnormalities in Asperger syndrome. The Pharmacogenomics Journal,doi:10.1038/tpj.2012.3
We aim to attract the highest quality numerate graduates who are motivated to apply their skills to neuroimaging research questions. Applicants for this BSMS-funded 3.5-year PhD starting in October 2012 should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, bio-engineering, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, maths, computer science and statistics or similar discipline. Both UK and EU citizens can apply (home fees will be paid).
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Mara Cercignani (m.cercignani@bsms.ac.uk) or Dr Neil Harrison (n.harrison@bsms.ac.uk).
Closing Date for applications – Monday 14 May 2012
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Simon Waddell (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Professor Florian Kern (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Tuberculosis remains a worldwide health emergency that results in an estimated 1.5 million deaths each year. New drugs and vaccines are required to relieve this burden of disease. The current treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis involves taking four drugs for a minimum of six months. Where drug-resistance is identified, chemotherapy may extend for years. The lengthy treatment needed to eliminate active TB disease is hypothesised to be due to the presence of persistent populations of bacteria. A better understanding of the different phenotypic states of M.tuberculosis bacilli during infection will offer new targets and strategies for novel drug development. The aims of this project are to characterise and determine the functional significance of these heterogeneous M.tuberculosis sub-populations in biofilm models of disease and during macrophage infection.
The student will become expert in transcriptional profiling, flow cytometry and non-invasive cell imaging techniques and will learn a range of whole genome analysis tools, microbiology and molecular biology skills, working in Containment Level 2, CL3 and tissue culture laboratories. He/she will join an active research environment at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (http://www.bsms.ac.uk/research/our-research/infection-immunology) and will also work in close collaboration with Dr Wendy Macfarlane and Dr Brian Jones in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (http://www.brighton.ac.uk/pharmacy/research). This multi-disciplinary project will provide the successful candidate with critical skills and substantial experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral position in infectious disease research.
References
Botella H, P Salek et al. (2011). Mycobacterial p(1)-type ATPases mediate resistance to zinc poisoning in human macrophages. Cell Host Microbe; 10(3): 248-259.
Streitz M, S Fuhrmann et al. (2011). Tuberculin-specific T cells are reduced in active pulmonary tuberculosis compared to LTBI or status post BCG vaccination. J Infect Dis; 203(3):378-82.
Waddell SJ (2010). Reprogramming the Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcriptome during host pathogenesis. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms; 7(1): e67-e73.
Makarov V, G Manina et al. (2009). Benzothiazinones Kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Blocking Arabinan Synthesis. Science; 324(5928):801-4.
Garton NJ, SJ Waddell et al. (2008). Cytological and transcript analyses reveal fat and lazy persister-like bacilli in tuberculous sputum. PLoS Medicine; 5(4) e75.
Tailleux L, SJ Waddell et al. (2008). Probing Host Pathogen Cross-Talk by Transcriptional Profiling of Both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Infected Human Dendritic Cells and Macrophages. PLoS ONE; 3(1):e1403.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a relevant biomedical related subject.
Research Degrees Administrator – Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications – 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Khalid Ali (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Dr Lizzie Ward (School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Brighton)
Professor Marian Barnes (School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Brighton)
Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship funded by the University of Brighton to join research group consisting of Dr Khalid Ali and Professor Rajkumar at the Academic Department of Geriatrics (Brighton and Sussex Medical School), Professor Marian Barnes and Dr Lizzie Ward (School of Applied Social Science- University of Brighton).
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods the research will involve the first formal trial of the effect of stroke survivors acting as befrienders in improving the well-being of stroke patients and their carers. The study aims to understand the lived experience of people recovering from stroke in the context of their family and broader social networks. Drawing on the expertise of the clinical and social science partners, it will adopt a multi-dimensional and relational concept of well-being to explore how relationships established with peer supporters might assist in enabling well-being in spite of the losses experienced.
Stroke is a serious medical condition which impacts on patients and their carers. Following a stroke some patients and their carers become isolated resulting in stress, anxiety and depression (Bugge 1999, Steiner 2008). The Stroke Association has developed a "befriending" approach where trained volunteer 'befrienders' spend time with patients and carers aiming to reduce isolation and improving well-being. This approach was evaluated through satisfaction surveys with encouraging results (Involve 2011). However scientific evidence of cost-effectiveness is needed if the NHS is to adopt it. In the proposed study eighty stroke patients and carers will be provided with either a befriender or usual care. The befriending effect will be measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Caregiver Strain Index, and Well-Being Evaluation Scale (WES) (Papadopoulos 2011) in Brighton, and Christchurch (Dr Damian Jenkison-national lead for Stroke Improvement Program).
The study offers a wide range of training opportunities in qualitative and quantitative research, validation of WES in stroke patients and carers, statistical and qualitative data analysis, and scientific writing. The research will provide the successful candidate with critical skills and substantial experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral research position in the field of applied social science and clinical psychology.
References
1. Bugge C, Alexander H, Hagen S 1999. Patient, caregiver and service factors that affect caregiver strain. Stroke 30; 1517-23.
2. Involve publication 2011. Stroke Association newsletter for volunteers- Spring issue.
3. Papadopoulos A, Biggs S and Tinker A. 2011. Wellbeing in later life: A proposed eco-systemic framework. Brit J Wellbeing 2; 22-31.
4. Steiner V, Pierce L, Drahuschak S, Nofziger E, Buchman D, Szirony T. 2008. Emotional support, physical help, and health of caregivers ofstroke survivors. J Neurosc Nurs 40; 48-54.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Social Science studies or Clinical Psychology or a relevant biomedical related subject.
Research Degrees Administrator – Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications – 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Professor Pietro Ghezzi (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Professor Matteo Santin (Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton)
Traumatic or ischemic injury to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves is a significant medical problem for which there are limited therapeutic options. Initial injury is aggravated by expansion of damage due to neuronal death and neuroinflammation. However, successful therapeutic strategies will need not only to target these two mechanisms, inhibiting inflammation and neuronal death, but also to promote repair and remodelling.
This project is based on our pioneering findings on the neuroprotective and reparative properties of erythropoietin (EPO) and its derivatives. We believe that EPO is one example of tissue-protective cytokine (TPC) and that other cytokines might share its protective actions sharing similar tissue-protective receptors.
The present project aims at identifying the neuroprotective effects of TPCs, and the peptide sequence responsible for the protective action and the receptors involved in their effect on neuroinflammation, myelination and plasticity. We will study the possibility of immobilizing TPC, or peptide fragments of them, onto biomaterials. These would have the advantage of remaining at the site of application – for instance in neural guides for nerve regeneration. In addition, dendrimer-based biomaterials have been used to deliver drugs through the blood-brain barrier. The research will be done using cell biology and molecular biology and designing biomimetic biomaterials, culturing neurons, oligodendrocytes or other cells and studying gene expression by PCR or microarrays. The student will work in a stimulating environment in the laboratories of Prof. Ghezzi, who published the key papers on tissue-protective cytokines, and Prof. Santin, a leading expert in nanomaterials. This project will add to the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of cytokines in terms of receptors mechanisms (for instance it will tell if internalization is required) and will lead to the development of novel strategies for designing biomimetic biomaterials.
References
1. Hagemeyer N, Boretius S, Ott C, Von Streitberg A, Welpinghus H, Sperling S, Frahm J, Simons M, Ghezzi P, Ehrenreich H. Erythropoietin attenuates neurological and histological consequences of toxic demyelination in mice. Mol Med. 2012 Feb 29. [Epub ahead of print].
2. Mengozzi M, Cervellini I, Bigini P, Martone S, Biondi A, Pedotti R, Gallo B, Barbera S, Mennini T, Boraso M, Marinovich M, Petit E, Bernaudin M, Bianchi R,Viviani B, Ghezzi P. Endogenous erythropoietin as part of the cytokine network inthe pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mol Med. 2008;14:682-8.
3. Leist M, Ghezzi P, et al.Derivatives of erythropoietin that are tissue protective but not erythropoietic. Science. 2004;305:239-42.
4. Meikle ST, Perugini V, Guildford AL, Santin M. Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro anti-angiogenic potential of dendron VEGF blockers. Macromol Biosci. Epub 2011 Nov 23
5. Guildford AL, Poletti T, Osbourne LH, Di Cerbo A, Gatti AM, Santin M. Nanoparticles of a different source induce different patterns of activation in key biochemical and cellular components of the host response. J R Soc Interface. 2009;6:1213-21.
6. Stewart HJ, Guildford AL, Lawrence-Watt DJ, Santin M. Substrate-induced phenotypical change of monocytes/macrophages into myofibroblast-like cells: a new insight into the mechanism of in-stent restenosis. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2009;90:465-71.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a relevant biomedical related subject.
Research Degrees Administrator – Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications – 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Carrie Llewellyn (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Professor Helen Smith (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The studentship is funded by a University of Brighton award.
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted disease and is implicated in the development of a significant number of cancers such as cervical, vaginal, oropharyngeal and anal. Rates of HPV associated anal and oropharyngeal cancers are rapidly rising, due to the increase in the type of sexual behaviours implicated in HPV transmission (such as oral and anal sex). Vaccinations have recently been developed to protect against these cancers and since 2008 there has been a national programme in the UK to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against cervical cancer. Whilst heterosexual men will eventually benefit from the herd immunity afforded by public health campaigns to vaccinate females, gay men will remain unprotected and increasingly at risk. Research has shown that parents are largely unaware of the seriousness of HPV related disease in male offspring and the topic is sensitive given the sexual behaviours responsible for transmission. The aims of the study are to assess whether it is acceptable and feasible to target young gay men with interventions to increase motivation to uptake vaccinations against HPV. The results of this study will have direct implications for health education and health promotion amongst this target group of youths.
Three work packages are proposed: a systematic review of interventions to increase uptake of HPV vaccinations in other target populations ; qualitative formative research through community based focus groups and interviews with members of gay and bisexual youth groups; trial to assess whether factors identified by formative research can increase motivation to vaccinate against HPV. Interventions are likely to be technology based using message framing and underpinned by appropriate psychological theory. Quantitative data will be collected by computer administered self-interview (CASI) and via internet surveys/web links.
The student will gain research skills of research design methodology, systematic reviewing, critical appraisal, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), dissemination, ethics and governance procedures. Before applying, it is advised to contact the supervisor for an initial informal discussion about the proposed project.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a behavioural science.
Research Degrees Administrator – Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications – 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Naji Tabet (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Dr Paul Gard (Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton)
Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD studentship based jointly at the University of Brighton and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The main aim of this project is to study the effect of hypertension on the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer s disease.
Recent epidemiological evidence has identified midlife hypertension as a risk factor for Alzheimer s disease. Hypertension contributes to cerebrovascular disease, amyloid pathology, decreased cerebral blood flow and impairment of cerebral plasticity. However, much less is known about the effect of hypertension and its treatment on patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease. Recent data has also indicated a potential protective role for some antihypertensive medications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to: i. shed light on the role of hypertension and anti-hypertensives on Alzheimer s disease progression; ii. identify biological correlates and potential confounders for hypertension and its treatment; and iii. explore brain structural MRI and blood flow changes in a patients subgroup. In addition to routinely collected data, important biological correlates such as nitric oxide, asymmetric arginine, homocysteine, fetuin-A and pro-inflammatory cytokines will be measured. A representative subgroup will undertake detailed structural MRI and Doppler/Near infrared spectroscopy to explore among others the integrity of white matter tracts, cerebral blood flow status and to quantify haemosiderin deposits, micro-haemorrhages and ischaemic small blood vessel disease load.
The proposed PhD studentship will provide a great opportunity for the PhD student in the field of neurodegenerative disorders research. The student will obtain an unrivalled experience in clinical neuroscience and will spend some time in an NHS memory clinic setting under close supervision. Laboratory analysis will be carried out at School of Pharmacy, University of Brighton. MRI and Doppler imaging will take place at Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre. The student will be closely supervised throughout and appropriate training will be provided. The student will be encouraged to present data at scientific meetings, to publish widely and will be supported to apply for a post-doctoral research grant during his/her third year. Experience gained will provide the student with the skills and knowledge demanded for a successful career in research and academia.
References
Shah NS, Vidal JS, Masaki K, Petrovitch H, Ross GW, Tilley C, DeMattos RB, Tracy RP, White LR, Launer LJ. (2012) Midlife blood pressure, plasma
≤-amyloid, and the risk for Alzheimer disease: the Honolulu Asia Aging Study. Hypertension, 59: 780- 786.Smith ER, Nilforooshan R, Weaving G, Tabet N. (2011) Plasma fetuin-A is associated with the severity of cognitive impairment in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer s Disease, 24: 327-333.
Klugman A, Naughton DP, Isaac M, Shah I, Petroczi A, Tabet N. (2012) Antioxidant Enzymatic Activities in Alzheimer's Disease: The Relationship to Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Journal of Alzheimer s Disease. In press.
Tabet N, Quinn R, Klugman A. (2009) Prevalence and cognitive impact of cerebrovascular findings in Alzheimer's disease: a retrospective, naturalistic study. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 63: 338-345.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical science, psychology, Immunology, biochemistry or a relevant biomedical related subject.
Research Degrees Administrator - Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications - 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
University of Brighton/BSMS PhD STUDENTSHIP 2012
Dr Sandra Sacre (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Dr Neil Harrison (Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School on the University of Sussex Campus. The aims of the project are to study the expression and function of toll-like receptors in blood samples collected from rheumatoid arthritis patients and their relationship to clinical responses to anti- TNF therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune disease. It is characterised by destructive joint inflammation and a range of systemic features including depression and chronic fatigue. Although, biological therapies used in the clinic have revolutionised the treatment of RA, it still remains unclear which stimuli are necessary to sustain the chronic inflammation associated with this disease. In previous work we have identified a potential role for a family of innate immune receptors, the toll-like receptors in the maintenance of inflammation. This PhD project aims to characterise the expression, function and regulation of toll-like receptors in cells purified from RA patient blood samples. Results from the initial part of the project will be used to inform analyses of blood samples collected from patients recruited for a complementary Wellcome funded project investigating non-joint symptoms. The data generated will be correlated with changes in disease activity, depression, fatigue and brain imaging data. This project has the potential to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that promote chronic inflammation and other systemic symptoms in RA.
The PhD will provide a broad based training in a wide range of laboratory techniques equipping the candidate for an independent scientific career. The student will be instructed in primary cell culture, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques in addition to analysis of structural and functional MRI imaging data. Generic transferable skills will also be developed thorough engagement with career development programmes specifically designed for doctoral students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and its parent Universities.
References
Clanchy F. and Sacre S.. Modulation of TLR function has therapeutic potential in auto-immune disease. Expert Opinion On Biological Therapy (2010) 10(12):1703-16.
Sacre S et al. The SSRIs fluoxetine and citalopram exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity in human and murine models of rheumatoid arthritis and inhibit signalling via toll-like receptors. (2010) Arthritis and Rheumatism 62(3):683-93.
Sacre S et al. Inhibitors of toll-like receptor 8 reduce TNF production from human rheumatoid synovial membrane cultures. (2008) J. Immunol. 181:8002-9.
Sacre S et al. The Toll-like receptor adaptor proteins MyD88 and Mal/TIRAP contribute to the inflammatory and destructive processes in a human model of rheumatoid arthritis. (2007) American J. Pathol. 170 (2), 518-25.
Harrison N et al. Neural Origins of Human Sickness in Interoceptive Responses to Inflammation. (2009) Biol Psychiatry; 66: 415–422.
Applicants should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a relevant biomedical related subject.
Research Degrees Administrator – Nichola Mayer (n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk)
Closing Date for applications – 8 June 2012
Applying for studentships
This studentship is being offered by the University of Brighton.
For full information about funding, please visit:
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/researchstudy/2012studentships/
To apply, please visit:
Applying for BSMS studentships
(please note: Apply via advertised links for University of Brighton studentships)
Download an application form and referee form for studentships, or contact us for a hard copy of the application forms.
Nichola Mayer
Research Degrees Administrator
Medical Research Building
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex
Brighton BN1 9PS
T: +44 (0) 1273 877533
F: +44 (0) 1273 877884
Email: n.mayer@bsms.ac.uk
To apply, please fill in one form, sign it and send it by post, fax or email to the Research Degrees Administrator. Please ask two referees to send their reports independently to the Research Degrees Administrator by the application closing date. The application reference is BSMS-07. In section nine of the application (Project Proposal) simply give the details provided in the advertisement.
If you require entry clearance to study in the UK, please see the ATAS information.