Myeloid cells (monocytes, macrophages and microglial cells) are major components in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of primary brain tumours (low-grade gliomas and high-grade glioblastomas). Myeloid cells are believed to play key roles in tumour progression and resistance to radio-chemotherapy. As such, they are viewed as attractive treatment targets for both low-grade gliomas and high-grade glioblastomas. However, the myeloid cell compartment is extremely heterogeneous within brain tumours, being able to adopt a spectrum of pro-inflammatory and suppressive states. We have a poor understanding of the brain and tumour factors that shape myeloid cell differentiation programmes to cause such cellular heterogeneity. Consequently, we are yet to resolve how specific myeloid cell populations are established in the TME and how they affect brain tumour progression and responsiveness to treatment.
In this project, the student will employ cutting-edge high-dimensional imaging, complemented with in vitro mechanistic testing approaches, to map the myeloid cell compartment in the TME of diffuse astrocytomas (a type of primary brain tumour). The student will access a well-characterised and unique biobank of human grade II to IV astrocytomas, as well as utilise fresh human brain tumour samples, to analyse myeloid cell heterogeneity within distinct intra-tumoural niches, revealing how myeloid cell populations with different phenotypes and functions specifically position and co-localise with neoplastic cells and interact with brain architecture. Crucially, the student will compare the myeloid populations in different regions of low-grade and high-grade tumours and will interrogate the differences in the myeloid cell compartment in astrocytomas stratified by clinical outcome (speed of tumour progression and recurrence). The major outputs from this project will be the characterisation of the key spatial intra-tumoural determinants that imprint the myeloid cell response in primary brain tumours, and how the spatial myeloid cell landscape affects brain tumour progression and treatment outcome.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject. A related master's degree would be an advantage.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form. Details of how to apply are available here (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/mcrc-training-scheme/apply/). For Visa requirements, international candidates must select the full-time study option.
General enquiries can be directed to [Email Address Removed].
Interviews: Week commencing 10 January 2022
Commencement: October 2022
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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