Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

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  Identifying the critical downstream targets of sustained ROS production during caudal fin and heart regeneration in zebrafish

  Prof Enrique Amaya  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

A primary goal in regenerative medicine is to identify and implement novel treatments aimed at improving our ability to regenerate injured, diseased or aged tissues and organs, including the heart. My research group has been investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in tissue formation, repair and regeneration in Xenopus and zebrafish, two vertebrate model organisms with high regenerative capacity. Recent work in my laboratory has revealed the importance of sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) during appendage regeneration and embryonic development1-3. Furthermore our findings suggest that elevated ROS levels promote cell proliferation, growth factor signalling and metabolism; processes essential for regeneration. Although most of our work has focused on appendage regeneration, findings in zebrafish have confirmed that sustained ROS also plays an essential role during zebrafish heart regeneration4. Here we propose to extend these findings by addressing the following aim:

Identify the critical downstream targets of sustained ROS levels during caudal fin and heart regeneration in zebrafish.

Entry Requirements

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture and molecular biology, are particularly encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Genetics

For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences.

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 https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/”

For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk

Biological Sciences (4) Medicine (26)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/

References

1. Love, N. R. et al. Amputation-induced reactive oxygen species are required for successful Xenopus tadpole tail regeneration. Nat. Cell Biol. 15, 222–228 (2013).
2. Han, Y. et al. Ca2+-induced mitochondrial ROS regulate the early embryonic cell cycle. Cell Reports 22, 218–231 (2018).
3. Han, Y., Chen, Y., Love, N. R., Ishibashi, S. & Amaya, E. Elevated and sustained reactive oxygen species levels facilitate mesoderm formation during early Xenopus development. bioRxiv 223453 (2017). doi:10.1101/223453
4. Han, P. et al. Hydrogen peroxide primes heart regeneration with a derepression mechanism. Cell Res. 24, 1091–1107 (2014).

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Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Ranked the best place to live in the UK (The Economist Global Liveability Index, 2022), Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 29th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023).

With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

1000+

postgraduate students

90

PhDs

6

ranked in UK - QS (2025)

Manchester  United Kingdom

main campus

About Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.


Main campus

The University of Manchester

Manchester

North West

United Kingdom

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