Investigating the neuro-stromal-immune interactions in inflammageing and osteoarthritis.

Ageing is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) including osteoarthritis. Age-associated chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammageing) is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. However, inflammageing is a complex process, involving, cellular senescence and dysregulated immune response. Understanding these pathways involved at the onset and during progression of osteoarthritis can lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

Osteoarthritis affects all joint tissues, including synovium, cartilage and subchondral bone. Synovium and bone, contain nerves, blood vessels, cells that regulate inflammation and maintain bone architecture, and a specialised group of stromal cells which have a unique ability to repair damaged tissues. Very little is known about (i) how these cells communicate with each other (neuro-stromal-immune axis) to maintain normal joint function and (ii) what happens during ageing and age-associated conditions such as osteoarthritis to cause this communication to breakdown leading to joint damage and pain.

The candidate will utilise culture expanded cells (monolayer, co-culture models, spheroids), in-vivo models and clinical samples to decipher how ageing and age-associated changes (elevated inflammatory factors and pain mediators) can alter the neuro-stromal-immune interactions. A range of research techniques will be used to understand the cellular cross-talk and signalling pathways, including (but not limited to), cell-behaviour assays, molecular biology techniques, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and microscopy.

Person Specification:

Applicants should hold a minimum of upper-second class honours degree (UK Bachelor’s level) or overseas equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject discipline, such as cell biology, neuroscience, physiology, pathology, immunology or any other life sciences related subject area. Prior experience in inflammatory and immune mediated diseases or cell culture, molecular biology and histopathology techniques will be an advantage, but not essential.

The candidate will be given full training in all the above-mentioned techniques by an enthusiastic and supportive supervisor ensuring that the candidate is fully equipped to undertake this exciting project.

The candidate will be part of a dynamic working environment at Medway School of Pharmacy and the Universities of Kent and Greenwich at the Medway Campus, and will have access to all their shared research facilities.

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