Research interests/description of main research theme:
Due to our increasingly ageing society, the prevalence of multimorbidity (defined as having two or more chronic illnesses) has increased worldwide (Barnett et al. 2012, Lancet) with the associated polypharmacy. Multimorbidity imposes an extraordinary burden on patients and their families, as well as the healthcare system. Consequently, understanding the common mechanisms underlying multimorbidity may offer therapies that are able to treat all of the conditions present in a multimorbid patient. As advancing age is the biggest risk factor for multimorbidity, we are focussing on the hypothesis that biological ageing processes are increased and impact upon the trajectory to multimorbidity (Ermogenous et al, 2021, Drug Discovery Today).
Nine processes have been identified as drivers of the ageing, termed the Hallmarks of Ageing (Lopez-Otin et al. 2013, Cell). Compromised mitochondrial function is one of these hallmarks. Mitochondria are fundamental for general tissue homeostasis, by regulating central processes involved in metabolism, inflammation and cellular ageing. Given its fundamental role, mitochondrial dysfunction (particularly in the immune system), has recently been postulated as a key contributing factor to multimorbidity by accelerating cellular ageing in mouse models (Desdín-Micó et al. 2020, Science). Understanding whether mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells impacts on multimorbidity in humans can offer innovative interventions to alleviate multiple diseases by tuning-up immunity and alleviating cellular ageing.
A major interest of our research group focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to pathology and the common mechanisms underpinning multimorbidity (Hombrebueno et al. 2019, JCI Insight). The selected candidate will pioneer an exciting and multidisciplinary PhD programme, with the goal of: (i) in well-characterized multimorbid clinical cohorts, understand the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and multimorbidity; (ii) determine the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondria (and/or other molecular pathways linked to cellular ageing) to functionally rescue immunity in multimorbidity. To this end, the student will have access to promising candidate drugs identified by the research team, as well as state-of-the-art models for the rapid screening of new mitochondrial protective drugs.
This programme will offer a great opportunity for a student to become part of a multidisciplinary research team in the field of immunity, mitochondrial biology and geroscience. Relevant multidisciplinary training will be provided to the successful candidate, including:
- Translational research using ex vivo (primary culture/biopsies from multimorbid cohorts) and in vitro relevant models to assess mitochondrial function, immunity and cellular ageing.
- A broad range of laboratory histologic and molecular techniques, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blot, real time PCR and metabolic assays.
- Deep learning of microscopy technologies, their application and bioinformatic analysis.
For more information about research in our laboratory, please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/inflammation-ageing/romero-jose.aspx
Person Specification
Applicants should hold or expect to gain at least an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree in life sciences and with an interest in immunology and/or mitochondrial biology and/or GeroScience.
How to apply
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Jose Romero ([Email Address Removed])
Applications should be directed to Dr Jose Romero (email [Email Address Removed]) . To apply, please send:
• A detailed CV including your nationality;
· Names and contact details of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.