Endothelial health and glycocalyx damage in canine myxomatous mitral valve disease

The project:

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the commonest canine cardiac disease, affecting millions of dogs worldwide. Prognosis is variable; while some dogs experience severe, progressive disease, in others MMVD can be more benign. At present, we can only identify progressive disease once the heart has already enlarged; earlier identification could allow more targeted monitoring of at-risk dogs. Treatment recommendations are based on echocardiography, which is frequently unavailable; circulating biomarkers therefore represent an attractive alternative. Hormones released in MMVD damage the glycocalyx, a gel-like layer protecting the vascular endothelium and red blood cells (RBC). This project will look for evidence of glycocalyx damage (using a novel, world-leading method developed in our laboratory) and endothelial injury (using biomarker measurement and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD)) in an ongoing longitudinal study of dogs with MMVD. This study aims to develop a novel circulating biomarker for improved MMVD management and to generate new hypotheses as to its pathophysiology and possible treatment targets.

The successful candidate will receive training in all clinical (e.g. FMD), laboratory (e.g. glycocalyx depth measurement and ELISAs) and statistical methods used, as well as lectures, seminars and workshops, tailored to the stage of the PhD project. They will also be involved in generation of clinical data through participation in research clinics. 

How to apply:

Apply online for this project from Monday 4 October. In the funding section of the application form, select Studentship as the main source of funding and enter Endothelial health and glycocalyx damage in canine myxomatous mitral valve disease. Please use your personal statement to demonstrate any skills or experience you have that are relevant to this project.

Candidate requirements: 

The ideal candidate will be a veterinary surgeon who is equally enthusiastic about laboratory work as communicating with dog owners. Although advanced knowledge of clinical cardiology, statistics and laboratory skills is not essential, a genuine enthusiasm to learn is required. The successful applicant will be required to participate in a research clinic that generates clinical data for research into MMVD. The candidate will undertake some work at the University of Bristol Langford campus (e.g. clinical data collection) and some work on the central campus in the Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol (e.g. laboratory work).

Essential

·      Standard University of Bristol eligibility rules apply. Please visit http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2021/health-sciences/phd-veterinary-sciences/ for more information.

·      Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS)

·      Enthusiasm for pursuing training in laboratory techniques and statistical analysis

Desirable

·      While not essential, applications from veterinary surgeons who have completed an internship, residency or a certificate are particularly encouraged

·      Research experience is desirable, but not essential

Contacts:

We welcome informal enquiries – these should be directed to Melanie Hezzell ([Email Address Removed])