Diet Nutrition
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain (CLBP), an often debilitating condition that is the leading cause of visits to the doctor and hospital admissions [1]. DDD is associated with cellular, extracellular and inflammatory changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Although various factors contribute to DDD, including trauma and biomechanical factors, persistant low-grade IVD infection with the anaerobic, low-virulent bacterium Cutibacterium acnes may also play an important role [2].
Evidence to support a role for C. acnes in DDD has come from observations of the organism as a biofilm in IVD tissue from patients who have undergone microdiscectomy surgery, as well as the demonstration that symptoms of CLBP can be successfully alleviated with a prolonged course of antibiotics [3,4]. While there is a growing body of evidence supporting the involvement of C. acnesin DDD, a definitive causal role will take time to prove since the bacterium comprises part of the normal human microbiota. Acceptance of C. acnes infection as a factor in DDD will require further epidemiological and clinical-trial investigations, as well as animal- and cell culture-based infection studies.
Confirmation that the bacterium is indeed a cause of DDD in a subset of patients would be very exciting and a paradigm shift in our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the condition, providing opportunities for new personalised medicine approaches in the treatment and management of CLBP.
Against this background, the objectives of this exciting and highly topical PhD project will be:
1. Metagenomic profiling and immunohistochemical analysis of diseased IVDs.
2. Phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses of C. acnes isolates from diseased IVDs; in particular, we will investigate biofilm formation on biotic surfaces that mimic the IVD environment.
3. Investigation of host-pathogen interactions in vitro.
For details and how to apply please see: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/794720
For further information please contact: Dr Andrew McDowell: [Email Address Removed]
Interviews by Faculties: April 2021
Outcome letters sent to applicants: Late April/early May 2021
Scholarships commence: September 2021
Eligibility Criteria
· Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. Applicants deemed by Senate to hold an equivalent qualification will also be considered.
· Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are NOT eligible for a scholarship.
· All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification. All applications for scholarships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests.
· Competition for funded entry is very high. It is important that all parts of the application process are completed in accordance with the instructions. All applicants are advised to discuss their application with the staff noted within the project description prior to submission.
· Applicants should note that disclosure of disability or personal circumstances should be made as part of the application process or as soon as possible thereafter in order to facilitate any necessary accommodation.