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Prof M MacLean
No more applications being accepted
About the Project
Deadline: Rolling selection process. First round application closing date: May 6 2013. Second round closing date: July 1 2013
Stipend: £13,726 per annum
Start date: October 2013
This MRC funded project provides students with cutting-edge research opportunities in Medical Research. Projects will align with MRC strategic priorities, www.mrc.ac.uk
In rodents, SUGEN (SU5416, a synthetic VEGFR-2 inhibitor), in combination with hypoxia (SU/Hx model), induces PAH and pulmonary artery endothelial cell (EC) death and obliteration of the artery by proliferating ECs. This would suggest that VEGF normally affords protection against PAH. This is consistent with studies demonstrating elevated lung VEGF ameliorates PAH. However, VEGF administration can concomitantly aggravate the fibrogenic process and is over-expressed in plexiform lesions. Imatinib, an inhibitor of the PDGF receptor) is effective against the development of PAH clinically and in the SU/Hx mouse model. It’s activity is serotonin-dependent and subsequently it was shown that development of PAH was serotonin dependent. The clinical effects of imatinib are associated with decreased plasma serotonin, so this work is very translatable. This suggests a complex relationship between VEGF, PDGF and serotonin. Here we will investigate this relationship as we believe this will lead to a greater understanding of the disease pathobiology and offer new therapeutic strategies. Our hypothesis is that serotonin overcomes the protective effects of VEGF and facilitates the pathological effects of VEGF. The student will investigate this using in vivo models and skills, human PAH pulmonary cells from controls and patients with PAH, molecular and cellular biology techniques.
Visit our website for more information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/researchopportunities/scholarshipopportunities/medicalresearchcouncil/#tabs=0
Applicant Instructions
These are 3.5-year PhD studentships and students should apply online here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/
Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK. EU nationals will have to demonstrate that they have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this can include residence whilst undertaking undergraduate study). Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree in a relevant subject. The financial package will include a 3.5 year stipend, approved University fees, Research Training Support Grant and a conference allowance.
On the Programme of Study section of the application please select “MVLS PhD” from the drop down menu. On this same page please place the project title(s) within the free text area and note the project supervisor(s).
Please ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded at point of application, for example:
- Copy of Academic and Professional qualifications
- CV (including letter of application/personal statement)
- 2 x references
Further supporting documents are requested on the online applications system, and should be uploaded where relevant. General enquiries regarding the programme and application procedure should be directed to Alexis Merry: [Email Address Removed]
Stipend: £13,726 per annum
Start date: October 2013
This MRC funded project provides students with cutting-edge research opportunities in Medical Research. Projects will align with MRC strategic priorities, www.mrc.ac.uk
In rodents, SUGEN (SU5416, a synthetic VEGFR-2 inhibitor), in combination with hypoxia (SU/Hx model), induces PAH and pulmonary artery endothelial cell (EC) death and obliteration of the artery by proliferating ECs. This would suggest that VEGF normally affords protection against PAH. This is consistent with studies demonstrating elevated lung VEGF ameliorates PAH. However, VEGF administration can concomitantly aggravate the fibrogenic process and is over-expressed in plexiform lesions. Imatinib, an inhibitor of the PDGF receptor) is effective against the development of PAH clinically and in the SU/Hx mouse model. It’s activity is serotonin-dependent and subsequently it was shown that development of PAH was serotonin dependent. The clinical effects of imatinib are associated with decreased plasma serotonin, so this work is very translatable. This suggests a complex relationship between VEGF, PDGF and serotonin. Here we will investigate this relationship as we believe this will lead to a greater understanding of the disease pathobiology and offer new therapeutic strategies. Our hypothesis is that serotonin overcomes the protective effects of VEGF and facilitates the pathological effects of VEGF. The student will investigate this using in vivo models and skills, human PAH pulmonary cells from controls and patients with PAH, molecular and cellular biology techniques.
Visit our website for more information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/researchopportunities/scholarshipopportunities/medicalresearchcouncil/#tabs=0
Applicant Instructions
These are 3.5-year PhD studentships and students should apply online here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/
Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK. EU nationals will have to demonstrate that they have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this can include residence whilst undertaking undergraduate study). Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree in a relevant subject. The financial package will include a 3.5 year stipend, approved University fees, Research Training Support Grant and a conference allowance.
On the Programme of Study section of the application please select “MVLS PhD” from the drop down menu. On this same page please place the project title(s) within the free text area and note the project supervisor(s).
Please ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded at point of application, for example:
- Copy of Academic and Professional qualifications
- CV (including letter of application/personal statement)
- 2 x references
Further supporting documents are requested on the online applications system, and should be uploaded where relevant. General enquiries regarding the programme and application procedure should be directed to Alexis Merry: [Email Address Removed]
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