Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by a narrowing of the airways which causes significant breathing difficulties. The prevalence and severity of disease combined with a lack of robust diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are associated with increasing costs and strain on healthcare. Measuring volatiles from exhaled breath is a promising area of research which aims to define metabolic biomarkers of disease. Several studies have shown that volatile metabolites can differentiate clinical phenotypes of asthma with high diagnostic accuracy. However, little is yet known of their cellular and metabolic origin; such knowledge will be critical for understanding and applying these biomarkers, and potentially in identifying novel therapeutic targets.
We have recently developed methods to sample volatiles directly from the headspace above cell cultures and analyse them using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The student will further develop and refine these methods to sample volatiles metabolites from purified neutrophil and eosinophil cultures under a variety of conditions e.g., cell activation and apoptosis. The student will then develop an air-liquid interface epithelial cell culture model and stimulate a cellular inflammatory response to identify phenotypic molecules that can then be sought in vivo.
Finally, to validate biomarkers of interest from in vitro studies, a small clinical study will be carried out at the North West Lung Centre to collect and analyse respiratory samples from asthma patients. Samples will also be used to perform a holistic systems biology analysis of biospecimens to include proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analyses.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the MRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) website www.manchester.ac.uk/mrcdtpstudentships
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.
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/
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