Stratification of osteoarthritis to improve equine welfare

Horse Trust Equine Clinical Scholarship Grant

Location: Liverpool and Leahurst Veterinary Campus

Studentship start date: summer 2019

Stipend: Starting stipend of £14,140 or enhanced for a veterinary surgeon to £22,000 plus student fees at UK/EU rates

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading welfare issues in horses in the UK, and results in substantial morbidity and mortality. Although diagnosis has improved greatly in recent years with advances in diagnostic imaging, it is still difficult to determine with any accuracy how a case may progress or respond to treatment. In addition, treatment is limited and therapies currently are only symptomatic.

This studentship aims to identify small non-coding RNAs in synovial fluids and serum which will be used to identify horses with early OA, to stratify horses with OA into disease subtypes, and identify targets for OA treatment. Specific small non-coding RNAs which distinguish subtypes of OA will be developed into clinically applicable assays. Longitudinal clinical studies will then be performed to identify the potential for small non-coding RNAs to identify OA at an early stage, and in predicting treatment response. In addition we envisage that some of these small non-coding RNAs will be targets for future OA treatment.

The studentship objectives:
1) Determine the small non-coding RNA profile of OA synovial fluid and serum using an unbiased approach (small RNASeq).
2) Validate a panel of small non-coding RNAs to determine the effects of clinical variables.
3) We will develop an assay that analyses specific, selected biomarkers.
4) Classify the microvesicle population in normal and OA patients and identify small non-coding RNA cross-talk between cells to identify potential treatment targets for early OA.

The student will be trained in a broad context of musculoskeletal biology, molecular biology, in vitro experiments, extracellular vesicle biology and next generation sequencing. Sometime will be spent at Nottingham Vet School and with a micrRNA assay company in Vienna.

Training will include:
• Training on sample collection, sample preparation for small RNA sequencing
• Bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data
• Research specific skills: cartilage, synovium and bone biology and osteoarthritis (OA), bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques in OA
• Statistics
• Generic research skills: critical thinking, IT skills, scientific integrity, ethics, project and time management, scientific writing and public engagement;
• Personal and professional skills: personal effectiveness, communications skills, networking and teamwork, management and leadership, understanding of research context.

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

Eligibility: Candidates must hold a degree in a discipline relevant to musculoskeletal biology and/or a veterinary qualification. Overseas candidates may apply, but please contact us to discuss the difference in fee rates.

Applications: Interested candidates should send a CV and covering letter by email to Professor Mandy Peffers [Email Address Removed] with a copy to [Email Address Removed]