Investigation of the extracellular matrix as a regulator of Parkinson’s progression

Parkinson’s is the 2^nd most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting around 1 in 20 people aged over 65. In the UK, the number of affected people is set to rise by 50% over the next 50 years due to ageing populations. The only treatments available can only temporarily improve symptoms and do not slow disease progression. Together this creates a pressing need for the development of disease slowing therapies.

Progression of Parkinson’s symptoms is matched by the death of neurons and development of Lewy pathology in specific brain areas. However, not all neurons develop the pathology or die, demonstrating resistance. While factors of neuronal vulnerability have been investigated the factors underlying neuronal resistance have not, understanding these factors will reveal new therapeutic opportunities in the treatment of Parkinson’s. The brain extracellular matrix is one potential resistance factor.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the environment that cells inhabit and is composed of proteins and glycosaminoglycans, negatively charged sugars. The ECM can set the tone of the tissue environment, setting an inhibitory or a permissive tone for cell survival, regeneration, or plasticity. It is a dense substrate and controls the diffusion and spread of substances through it. This particularly relevant in Parkinson’s and other prion-like neurodegenerative disease, where a toxic protein spreads through the central nervous system.

The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the brain ECM in the spread and progression of Parkinson’s. This will be done by interrogating the differences in ECM between brain areas and using neuronal culture to test these differences.

Suitable Student Qualifications

Applicants should have at least 2:1 honours degree in Biomedical science, Biological science or related degree.

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site; applicants will need to register an account and select 'Full-time PhD in Biomedical Science' as the course, and then specify the project title when prompted.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

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