MRC: Pregnancy adaptation as a model to study microRNA regulation of vascular function

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

There is increasing evidence that microRNAs are involved in the regulation of vascular function and that microRNA profiles are disturbed in hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Vascular function is improved over time as part of the healthy adaptation to pregnancy but this process is impaired in obese women. Maternal obesity is a risk factor for preeclampsia which is characterised by widespread endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Current evidence suggests that an, as yet unidentified, trigger from the placenta may provoke this condition. In a longitudinal study of pregnancy in lean and obese women this project aims to establish the role of microRNA in the regulation of vascular function. Initially a microRNA array analysis will be carried out to discover the changes in serum microRNA profile over gestation and to compare lean and obese women. Results will be validated in a separate pregnancy cohort that includes women with preeclampsia (the PIP study). Trophoblasts will be isolated from the placenta of lean and obese pregnant women undergoing Caesarean-section and candidate microRNA and downstream regulatory target mRNA and protein expression measured. Pathway analysis will be used to identify key molecular pathways that are regulated by microRNA and are related to changes in vascular function. Vascular function will also be assessed by wire myography in blood vessels dissected from adipose tissue. An understanding of the regulation of vascular function is important in understanding the pathophysiology of obesity-linked pregnancy complication such as preeclampsia as well as having wider-based implications for diseases of endothelial function in the non-pregnant.

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]