Role of Nox2 oxidase in regulating immune cell function in cardiovascular disease

The King’s College London British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence offers an outstanding environment for cardiovascular research training. It includes a large number of internationally rated investigators whose expertise encompasses a very broad range of cardiac and vascular biomedicine. The unit performed exceedingly well in the recent RAE, being the only institution to be in the top 3 both on average quality score and research power.

We are inviting applications for 3-year interdisciplinary studentships to commence from October 2012 that are each co-supervised by a cardiovascular and a non-cardiovascular PI with distinct complementary expertise. All principal supervisors on the programme have a strong track record of publications, grant income and successful supervision. Applications from non-biomedical graduates with relevant training are particularly welcome.


Project Information

Supervisors: Professor Ajay Shah and Professor Giovanna Lombardi

NADPH oxidases (Noxs) are reactive oxygen species-generating enzymes that modulate redox-sensitive signalling pathways. We have previously identified important roles for Nox2 NADPH oxidase in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes and have shown that it may have detrimental effects in the setting of cardiovascular hypertrophy and fibrosis – eg. during renin-angiotensin activation. Nox2 enhances interstitial cardiac fibrosis induced by chronic activation of the renin angiotensin system, pressure overload or after myocardial infarction. In addition to cardiovascular cells, Nox2 is also expressed in immune and inflammatory cells and may have important functions in these cells. Angiotensin II-induced cardiovascular dysfunction involves significant immune/inflammatory cell infiltration but the relative contribution of Nox2 in immune/inflammatory versus local resident cells to the development of cardiac pathology is unknown.

This project will investigate the role of immune cell Nox2 in angiotensin II-mediated cardiovascular hypertrophy and fibrosis using a range of in vivo and in vitro approaches. The two supervisors of the project combine synergistic expertise in cardiovascular disease and immunology which will be ideal for the pursuit of the project.


NOTE: THIS IS 1 OF 4 AVAILABLE PROJECTS. FOR INFORMATION ON THE OTHER 3 PROJECTS SEE THE ''ALL PHDS IN THIS DEPT" LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE. STUDENTS CAN CHOOSE UP TO 2 PROJECTS TO APPLY FOR.


Candidates must possess, or be expected to achieve, a 1st or good upper 2nd class degree in a relevant subject and must meet BHF residency requirements. Current 1st year BHF stipend rates for London are £21,629 pa.

For further information please visit our website via the link below

Application procedure:

- Apply online https://myapplication.kcl.ac.uk/ for the School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Division MPhil/PhD (Full-time) programme and quote reference 03/12PHD on the ‘Research Proposal’ page

- There is no need to write a research proposal. Instead please state which project(s) you wish to apply for in this section of the form.

- Please include a personal statement outlining your suitability for the programme and why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in the subject area.


Closing date: Wednesday 11th April 2012

Enquiries:
Should you have any enquiries please contact Elizabeth Halton, Assistant Divisional Manager, on [Email Address Removed] or (020) 7848 0263.


Please ensure that you quote 03/12PHD on your application and state clearly which project(s) you wish to apply for. Details on the other available projects can be found on our web site or by clicking on the 'All PhDs in this Dept' link on the right