EPSRC DUNeS: Structure based development of dual specificity inhibitors of NLRP3 and SARM1

Treatment of neurodegenerative disease needs new targets, as current approaches fail to translate in clinical trials. Elevated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome coupled with activation of the NADase SARM1, have been implicated in early steps of neurodegeneration. Simultaneous inhibition of those two targets looks like a promising strategy to mitigate neuroinflammation.

This project will generate DUNeS: prototypical dual-specificity inhibitors of NLRP3 and SARM1, capitalising on recent structural biology discoveries. Compounds will be designed, synthesised and tested using orthogonal assay cascade, including computational, biophysical, cell-based and phenotypic assays. Once validated, compounds will provide a robust proof-of-concept for a novel therapeutic modality.

This studentship is part of the Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). Further MoSMed CDT studentships are available here.

Sponsor

• EPSRC
• Industrial Sponsor: RxCelerate Ltd

Eligibility Criteria

Please see the MoSMed website for further details regarding academic eligibility.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

Please apply through Newcastle University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8207F
• select ‘PhD Molecular Sciences for Medicine (SNES)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:  

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly into the application form. Please include the full title of the studentship, the studentship code (mos23_03), and how your interests/experience relate to the project.
• the relevant studentship code (mos23_03) in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. If you wish to apply for additional studentships, please make sure to add the relevant studentship reference each time, before submitting each separate application. For example, you may wish to apply for mos23_03 AND mos23_04. You must include the relevant code for your application to be considered.
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of this project. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
• An up to date CV.
• Please upload all documents in PDF format.

If you are applying for more than one MoSMed CDT studentship, please read the guidance on applying for multiple studentships before starting your applications.

Contact Details

Dr Agnieszka Bronowska [Email Address Removed]