How does purinergic signalling control blood flow in the human placenta? (FOUNTAINU21DTP)

Homeostatic regulation of blood flow in the placenta is critical for normal fetal development and for maternal health during pregnancy. The placenta is a unique vascular organ having two separate circulatory systems (maternal-placental and fetal-placental). Blood vessels of the placenta are also unusual compared to blood vessels of other body tissues as they are not innervated by nerves. Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) is an established neurotransmitter released by autonomic nerves that innervate systemic blood vessels. In these vessels, ATP causes vasoconstriction via the activation of purinergic receptors (P2X and P2Y receptors) expressed by vascular smooth muscle. We have recently identified that blood vessels of the placenta also express purinergic receptors that can be activated by extracellular ATP, but the absence of nerves in placental vessels means the physiological role of purinergic signalling in controlling placental blood flow remains elusive.

This is a collaborative research project between the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital using human placenta from elective Caesarean section. It will involve cutting-edge techniques in vascular physiology and pharmacology to understand how the purinergic signalling system controls blood flow by influencing the tone of isolated placental arteries and veins. The student will receive advanced training in wire and pressure myography, calcium imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology and confocal bioimaging.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated early career scientist to join our internationally
recognized research team based within the Biomedical Research Centre on the UEA main campus of the Norwich Research Park. The laboratory is generously funded by the BBSRC, British Heart Foundation and industrial partners. We are a highly dynamic group and presentation at domestic and international conferences is encouraged and supported.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here https://people.uea.ac.uk/s_j_fountain

This is a PhD programme.

The start date is 1st October 2021.

The mode of study is full time.

The studentship length is 4 years.


About NRP DTP:

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.