The role of MicroRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases

We are seeking talented, motivated students with a passion for research in Neuroscience and Neurotrauma to join the team led by Dr Valentina Di Pietro (Dr Valentina Di Pietro - Institute of Inflammation and Ageing - University of Birmingham).

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations. The team is part of the wider Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology group (Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology - University of Birmingham) within the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham.

We are particularly interested in the use of microRNAs as indicators of new therapeutic pathways for neurodegenerative diseases. As people age, the likelihood of being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease only increases. The need of innovative solutions aimed at tackling neurodegeneration, as well as able to find ways for identifying these diseases early, stop them from progressing and potentially even find cures, became a priority. MicroRNAs could be the innovation we are looking for, they are silencing and post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and modulate downstream processes in brain and systemic targets, and dynamically continue to do so as the pathology evolves. The discovery of new regulatory signalling into neuropathology represents a step-change for molecular research.

We have several ongoing projects:

1) microRNA as salivary biomarkers of concussion in collaboration with the Rugby Football Union and Premier League

2) Neuroimaging and microRNAs correlation analysis in concussion

3) microRNA pathway analysis in in vivo rodent model of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

4) Functional study of microRNAs in TBI drosophila model

5) microRNAs network analysis in human astrocytes cell culture of Alzheimer’s patients

We aim to develop pioneering approaches, for new methods of diagnosis and therapies that use cutting-edge technologies and develop close ties with industry leaders.

APPLICATION ROUTES

Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining this team can select one of 3 different routes for undertaking a PhD.

Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/inflammation-ageing.aspx. This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.

Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.

• Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

• Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx

For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx

For additional information on research in the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/index.aspx

For additional information on research within the Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology group please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/neuroscience-trauma-and-ophthalmology.aspx

Funding notes:

Applicants are invited from self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates ONLY

Applicants will be self-funded or will have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

Overseas graduates require IELTs of 6.5 overall.

Applying directly to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/inflammation-ageing.aspx.

Applying to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35011725/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33757972/