About the Project
Cell behaviour is regulated by three-dimensional (3D) cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions with its microenvironment. Our understanding of how certain aspects of the bone microenvironment promote disease and the survival and proliferation of cancer cells in bone remains poor, partly due to a lack of clinically relevant model systems which recapitulate human spatial and temporal signals within the bone microenvironment. Biomaterials have been of great interest in tissue engineering to recreate aspects of the dynamic 3D bone environment. Mechanical, chemical and topographical properties can be engineered and altered to help direct stem cell fate for a desired outcome or to promote cell maintenance/expansion. Our recent work has demonstrated how mesenchymal stromal cells can be supported using topographically textured microparticles, which may be functionalised with specific chemistries, to mimic aspects of the bone niche. This 3D niche model can be used to influence MSC attachment, function and fate, and help promote the maintenance of other cell types in the lab.
The main aim of this multidisciplinary PhD project is to develop customisable micromodels to explore the bidirectional 3D cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions within bone and bone marrow niches. These models will have precisely tuned mechanical environments and will contain varying patterns of matrix-inspired and cellular cues. The findings will establish improved approaches for studying the pathogenesis of bone disorders and for developing high-throughput models to test new therapies. The project can be tailored to the student’s interests in bone biology, haematology, biophysics and/or materials engineering.
The successful candidate will be based at the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Faculty of Biological Sciences) at the University of Leeds. You will work under the supervision of Dr Mahetab Amer, working at the interface of tissue engineering and cell biology. The PhD project will integrate a range of approaches including tissue engineering and 3D cell culture techniques, materials chemistry, molecular analysis, and advanced imaging.
Requirements:
This is a PhD suitable for an individual with drive and enthusiasm for working at the interface of physical sciences and cell biology, and is particularly suited to those with an interest in multidisciplinary, translational research. Cell culture experience would be highly advantageous. You will be able to access state-of-the-art facilities in vibrant laboratory settings. The student will be trained on tissue engineering-based methodologies, such as 3D cell culture, biomaterials fabrication, characterisation of cell-material interactions and biological/physical cues that drive cell response.
Eligibility:
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second class honours degree or a MSc degree in a relevant subject. This project would suit someone with a strong background in tissue engineering, cancer biology or closely-related areas. Additional experience of conducting research in a multidisciplinary setting is highly desirable. Upon completion of the PhD, the successful candidate will be uniquely equipped for high-demand careers within academia or industry with desirable skills in bioengineering, regenerative medicine and cancer/cell biology.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests are:
- British Council IELTS - score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT - overall score of 87 with the listening and reading element no less than 20, writing element no less than 21 and the speaking element no less than 22.
How to apply:
To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable).
- Evidence of funding
To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
References
1. Amer, M., Alvarez-Paino, M., McLaren, J., Pappalardo, F., Trujillo, S., Wong J., Shrestha, S., Abdelrazig, S., Lee, JB, Stevens, L., Kim, D, Gonzalez-Garcia, C., Needham, D., Salmeron-Sanchez, M., Shakesheff, K., Alexander, M., Alexander, C., Rose, F. “Designing topographically textured microparticles for induction and modulation of osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell engineering”; Biomaterials, 266, 120450 (2021)
2. Abu Awwad, H., Thiagarajan, L., Kanczler, J., Amer, M., Bruce, G., Lanham, S., Rumney, R., Oreffo, R., Dixon, J. “Genetically-programmed, mesenchymal stromal cell-laden & mechanically strong 3D bioprinted scaffolds for bone repair”, Journal of Controlled Release, 325, 335 (2020)
3. Prina, E., Amer, M.*, Sidney, L., Tromayer, M., Moore, J., Liska, R., Bertolin, M., Ferrari, S., Hopkinson, A., Dua, H., Yang, J., Wildman, R., Rose, F. “Bioinspired precision engineering of three‐dimensional epithelial stem cell microniches”. Advanced Biosystems, 4, 2000016 (2020)
4. Alvarez-Paino, M., Amer, M.*, Nasir, A., Cuzzucoli Crucitti, V., Thorpe, J., Burroughs, L., Needham, D., Denning, C., Alexander, M., Rose, F., Alexander, C. “Polymer microparticles with defined surface chemistry and topography mediate the formation of stem cell aggregates and cardiomyocyte function". ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 11, 34560 (2019)
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