RVC Supervisor(s): Dr Elisa Vasilopoulou and Professor Jonathan Elliott
Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Project Summary:
Chronic kidney disease has high prevalence in humans and cats and there is currently no cure. There are diverse causes of CKD, but a major determinant of disease progression, common to human and feline patients, is inflammation which leads to fibrosis and ultimately end stage kidney disease. Renal inflammation is driven by cytokine release by renal cells that promotes monocyte infiltration and accumulation of macrophages in the kidney, which can contribute to both renal injury and repair. Therefore, understanding how the inflammatory response is regulated in the context of kidney injury is essential for developing new therapeutic approaches.
We have recently identified thymosin-B4 (TB4) as a novel endogenous inhibitor of inflammation in the kidney, which limits macrophage accumulation and fibrosis in experimental CKD in mice. However, the cellular mechanisms that mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of TB4 remain unknown. The aim of this project is to characterise the role of TB4 in macrophage accumulation and function in the kidney.
To achieve this aim, you will utilise samples from experimental (mouse) and naturally occurring (human and feline) CKD to assess the role of TB4 in (1) regulating cytokine secretion by renal cells to limit monocyte infiltration in the kidney and (2) modulating macrophage function to promote tissue repair.
This work will identify a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanism and will provide proof of concept data to support innovative interventions utilising the TB4 pathway to treat CKD.
The successful candidate will be part of the cardiovascular and renal biology group and will receive training and develop expertise in a range of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro techniques, including cell biology and culture, experimental in vivo models of kidney disease, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and statistical analysis.
This project involves work with animals (mice).
Requirements
Essential
- Must meet our standard PhD entry requirements
- Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant subject to develop the project (e.g. biology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, veterinary medicine, bioveterinary sciences).
- Enthusiasm, motivation and scientific curiosity
Desirable
- A master’s degree or equivalent qualification or other evidence of research skills and experience is preferred but not essential.
- Previous experience using the relevant techniques would be advantageous but is not essential.
This is a competition funding studentship. If awarded the student will receive a 3 year fully-funded studentship, covering tution fees and stipend. This studentship is open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees.
Please note that EU/EEA and Swiss national students may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees nor claim any financial support for their studies dependent on personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK). To help determine whether you would be eligible for home fees please see the UKCISA's 'Who pays 'home' fees for higher education in England?' guide found here.
The studentship will commence October 2022.
How to Apply
For more information on the application process and English language requirements see please see How to Apply.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please follow the link below. Please use your personal statement to demonstrate your background in cell biology or physiology and any previous skills and/or research experience.
Interviews will take place over zoom between 14th and 25th March 2022.
We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Dr Elisa Vasilopoulou, [Email Address Removed]
Deadline: 06/02/2022
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