This research proposal focuses on developing tools and methodologies for treating Sickle Cell Disease(SCD).
We aim to understand how prenatal therapy can be used to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by developing gene-editing approaches in human and mouse fetal haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and delivery methods in a mouse model of SCD.
The initial part of the project will be completed at the Imagine Institute in Paris under the guidance of Dr Annarita Miccio. The student will bring the knowledge and tools back to London to test in SCD cell lines, mouse HSCs and human SCD cells. Under the guidance of Dr Sara El-Hoss (Dr Strouboulis lab, KCL), the editors will be tested in vitro for their efficiency before in vivo, in utero testing in the mouse model.
The data produced in this project will need to be analysed using statistical methods and artificial intelligence. The student will enrol in the Machine Learning for Health and Bioinformatics and the Introduction to the R software online courses, which will help them analyse the data.
The student will attend the Home Office Personal License training. Also, the student will participate in the Red Cell Haematology group meetings and Sickle Cell Interest Group seminar series. They will expand their research skills by attending gene editing and nanoparticle courses such as the Genome engineering course by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
To enhance the student’s personal development skills and knowledge, we plan to encourage them to attend the Project Management Leadership Masterclass offered by KCL and the Research Team Leadership in Changing Times course by the Advance HE. The student will also attend biweekly progress meetings will enrol to attend a course on Introduction to Public engagement.
Furthermore, the student together with the team will be attending annual conferences where they will present any new project findings. In this way, they will network with other fellow researchers who might be working in the same area, exchange ideas and collaborate. In addition, during academic conferences, the student will take the opportunity to attend training courses such as the 'Grant Writing Clinic' and 'Career Development Workshops' offered at the annual meeting of the SRI.
Eligibility
English Language Requirements:
As per KCL policy for PhD candidates.
Application process
Application consists of completing an online application. Please visit the studentship webpage before applying for further details on the programme.
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