Circadian clocks in the brain and peripheral tissues coordinate local physiology to align with the daily rhythmic environment through light/darkness, rest/activity and feeding/fasting cycles. It has been shown that disruption of circadian rhythm can influence susceptibility to many diseases, and more recently it has been shown that shift workers have increased susceptibility to bone fractures and poor outcomes. Circadian rhythm tends to be altered during ageing, and we want to test the degree to which these changes could underpin diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and poor fracture repair for which ageing is the largest risk factor.
In this project we want to test whether circadian rhythm is altered in skeletal tissues of aged fish, and whether time of day that an injury occurs influences skeletal repair. We will then modulate circadian rhythm using pharmacological compounds and test the effects on behaviour of cells of the innate immune system (neutrophils and macrophages) and the skeletal system (chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts).
This project would suit someone with an interest in genetics, ageing and in vivo imaging
A minimum of a 2:2 is required to be eligible to apply for this MSc by Research (or international equivalent) in a biomedical science discipline is required for entry to this PhD programme. For English language requirements, please refer to the entry requirements as detailed on the postgraduate prospectus.
Please use the link provided on this page to apply online: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/life-sciences/phd-physiology-pharmacology/
When making your application, please indicate the supervisor name and the project title on the form. Ensure you provide all supporting documents as per the programme admissions statement.
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