(BBSRC NWD CASE) Spatial proteomic profiling of human meniscus to inform development of bioprinted meniscal tissue analogues
About the Project
Over 1.5 million people across the USA and Europe suffer from injuries to the knee meniscus which can significantly reduce their mobility and quality of life. While current treatments e.g. meniscectomy, provide short-term pain relief and restore temporary knee function, they frequently result in osteoarthritis. We are currently developing protocols to engineer biomimetic human meniscal tissue analogues using 3D bioprinting both to investigate mechanisms driving healthy tissue formation and, ultimately, as clinical implants to restore knee function. However, there is currently a lack of detailed understanding of the regional differences in matrix composition and cell phenotype within the tissue which impacts on strategies to engineer biomimetic meniscal tissue. Thus, the project will utilise mass spectrometry proteomics and mass spectrometry imaging (in collaboration with Waters Corporation utilising their state-of-the art facilities in Wilmslow, Cheshire) on a range of healthy human meniscal tissues and clinical samples where meniscal tissue is removed at surgery to develop an unparalleled spatial map of the meniscal proteome. Function of identified cellular proteins/pathways will be investigated using loss/gain-of-function experiments on human meniscal cells. Key extracellular matrix proteins will be incorporated into established meniscal bioprinting protocols to investigate their effect on matrix production by embedded cells. Engineered tissue will be compared to native human tissue using mass spec proteomics and a range of molecular (e.g. qPCR, flow cytometry), biochemical (western blotting, immunofluorescence), imaging (confocal microscopy, TEM/SEM) and biomechanical (rheology, atomic force microscopy) techniques. Overall, the project will enhance our understanding of human meniscal tissue, as well as how the cell and tissue is affected by injury/disease.
This interdisciplinary project offers training in a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques, integrating cutting edge proteomics and bioinformatics approaches, with modern biomaterials and biofabrication technologies, conducted using human tissues and cells and set within the context of a common clinical disorder. Thus, the project will offer a broad range of skills in the burgeoning life science, biomedical and biotechnology sectors, enhancing their employability in both academic and commercial institutions.
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/s.richardson
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/marco.domingos
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in cell biology, developmental biology or molecular biology. Research experience in bioinformatics, gene editing, tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting or biomaterials science is desirable.
International applicants
We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page to find out more about our English language requirements.
Before you Apply
Browse our BBSRC NWD in Bioscience projects and discover one you're passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
All applications should be made via our specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience online application form. This is a separate application process specifically for all candidates for this scheme. Applications should not be made through either university’s usual online application system.
You must submit your application form along with the required supporting documents by the deadline date. You can select up to two projects on one single application, noting the title of each project from the advert and the supervisor name. This can include two projects from one institution or a project from each institution.
Before you complete your application you should prepare the following supporting documents:
- CV
- Personal statement
- Degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification is still pending, please ensure this is clear on your application form and you can send this to us at a later date)
- Two references
- Evidence of English language qualifications (if completed)
Complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/HVXALrVa0P
Once you have completed your application, you'll receive a confirmation email and you should reply to this email with all of your supporting documentation as soon as possible to: nwd-bbsrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk
Deadline: Friday, 31 January 2025, 5pm
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Doctoral Admissions team for advice at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.
Funding Notes
This is a 4 year CASE studentship in partnership with Micromass UK Limited (Waters Corporation) available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years.. This covers tuition fees and an annual stipend. This does not include any costs associated with relocation.
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