PhD opportunities

Molecular characterisation of the immunomodulatory effect of the human host defence peptide LL-37

Project title

Molecular characterisation of the immunomodulatory effect of the human host defence peptide LL-37

A Ph.D. studentship (3.5 years) is available from September 2023 under the supervision of Professor Sandra Sacre (Brighton & Sussex Medical School), Dr Ben Towler (University of Sussex) and Professor Rachel Simmonds (University of Surrey)

Deadline

Sunday 15 January 2023

Host defence peptides are an essential part of the immune system, forming one of the first lines of defence against pathogens. There are several different families, including defensins, cathelicidins and histatins. Of the cathelicidin family, humans only express LL-37, which is secreted at epithelial surfaces and by several cell types at sites of infection. It is best known for its antimicrobial actions; however, novel immunomodulatory roles of LL-37 are now emerging within both innate and adaptive immunity. LL-37 has been shown to alter toll-like receptor induced cytokine production and promote Th17 differentiation. Due to the varied actions within the immune system, LL-37 has been demonstrated to have wider roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer, in addition to defending against pathogens.

This project will investigate the mechanism of how LL-37 modifies the inflammatory actions of human monocytes under different disease-modelling conditions. Using cellular and molecular techniques, the effect of LL-37 on cell signalling pathways will be explored.  The successful applicant will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cellular and molecular techniques (including primary human cell culture, ELISA, immunoblotting, microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR) alongside opportunities to present at scientific conferences and publish their findings.

This is a collaborative project between The University of Sussex and The University of Surrey. The successful candidate will be based at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, which is part of The University of Sussex, but will work with research groups across both sites.

How to apply

Please submit a formal application using the online admissions portal below attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Biochemistry, entry date September 2023. Please ensure you state the project title under funding and include the supervisor’s name where required.

This Sussex Doctoral School-funded position covers Home tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates. Applicants with overseas fee status will need to fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees (approx. £18k per year).

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in immunology or cell biology. Eligible applicants will hold a 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.

For enquiries about the application process, contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, contact supervisor Professor Sandra Sacre: s.sacre@bsms.ac.uk

Apply here >

Stigma towards dementia in young people: The impact of media

Supervisors: Dr Nicolas Farina, Prof N Tabet, Dr Alys Griffiths 

Applications accepted all year round 

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship to join the internationally recognised Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School at the University of Sussex Campus. 

The aim of the project is to better understand what dementia-related media young people engage with but also interrogate the relationship between various national and international media messages about dementia (social media, ad campaigns, movies) and how they affect attitudes towards dementia. 

Combatting stigma and raising awareness towards dementia is an international policy priority. As it stands, we know that negative attitudes towards dementia already exist from a young age, and that based on existing theories, attitude change might be easier during these younger years. Young people already have experiences of dementia, despite receiving little formal education about the condition. Whilst there is a significant minority that have provided support for a family member with dementia, many have experienced dementia only through the media (i.e. movies, news) and online sources. Previous research has identified that media messages of dementia can often be negative or stigmatizing, which could be in part responsible for attitude formation. However, it is unclear how young people engage with such media content about dementia and how this ultimately shapes stigma towards dementia. Such stigma ultimately influences how individuals engage with dementia, both now and in the future, and might ultimately determine career preferences. The research builds upon an existing theme of work led by Dr’s Farina, Tabet and Griffiths. 

The project provides a wide range of training that includes quantitative, qualitative and review methodology. The project, will also provide an opportunity to work with both young people and people living with dementia. This should provide the successful candidate with critical skills and substantial experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral research position within applied health research, particularly in the field of dementia.

Funding Notes

Applicants for this 3-year PhD should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology, health sciences, public health, or related subject. Both UK/EU and non-EU citizens can apply. Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Nicolas Farina (n.farina@bsms.ac.uk). Please contact the Brighton and Sussex Medical School Doctoral and Research Officer (researchdegrees@bsms.ac.uk), with any other queries.

References

1. Alzheimer’s Disease International. World Alzheimer Report 2019 : Attitudes to dementia. Read the report here. Published April 10, 2019. Accessed June 17, 2019. 
2. Cheng TY-M, Liu L, Woo BK. Analyzing Twitter as a Platform for Alzheimer-Related Dementia Awareness: Thematic Analyses of Tweets. JMIR Aging. 2018;1(2):e11542. doi:10.2196/11542 
3. Farina N, Hughes LJ, Griffiths AW, Parveen S. Adolescents’ experiences and perceptions of dementia. Aging Ment Health. 2019;0(0):1-7. doi:10.1080/13607863.2019.1613343 
4. Farina N. What is taught about dementia in secondary schools? A survey of schools in Sussex, England (Innovative Practice). Dementia. July 2017:1471301217720016. doi:10.1177/1471301217720016 
5. Isaac MG, Isaac MM, Farina N, Tabet N. Knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in adolescent students. J Ment Health. 2017;26(5):419–425. 
6. Parveen S, Farina N, Shafiq S, Hughes LJ, Griffiths AW. What do adolescents perceive to be key features of an effective dementia education and awareness initiative? Dement Int J Soc Res Pract. 2019.