About the Project
Fully-funded PhD position available in the lab of Dr Romina Vuono at the Medway School of Pharmacy (University of Kent). The project will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the UK Brain Banks Network. Starting Date: September - October 2020.
The goal of the project is to unveil the molecular mechanism linking traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
TBI is a sudden damage to the brain caused by an external force to the head. Each year, millions worldwide suffer TBI in road accidents, collision sports and falls. Military personnel are also at risk as blast waves can cause brain Injury. Awareness of the longer-term effects of TBI has increased in recent years with media coverage of repeated head injury in sport leading to behavioural and cognitive problems. Indeed, epidemiological studies refer to TBI as a major environmental risk factor for AD. In addition, extensive tau pathology similar to that found in AD has been described in brains of individuals exposed to repetitive head injury such as boxers and American football players (1). Despite its growing prevalence and association with dementia, TBI is understudied and the underlying mechanisms leading to AD are still unknown.
Dr Vuono’s lab combines a multidisciplinary approach (clinical and non-clinical) and employs the use of cutting-edge technologies (e.g. multi-photon and electron microscopy, FRET-based assays, advanced genetic and molecular instrumentations) to investigate these mechanisms (2,3). In particular, we focus on studying whether the neuronal damage produced at the time of the head injury may trigger a sequence of biological processes causing abnormal structural changes in the tau protein. This in turn may lead to the formation of the Neurofibrillary Tangles, well-known pathological feature of AD.
Dr Vuono preliminary research has shown widespread tau oligomeric species (early abnormal tau conformations) - within 48 hours of head injury – in the brain of individuals as young as 26 years old where tau pathology is highly unlikely to be related to normal ageing or prodromal AD. Since a large body of dementia research suggests that oligomers are the most toxic tau species as they can enter and exit neurons and propagate the condition, our findings support the hypothesis that oligomeric tau species produced at the time of the head injury may spread through the brain seeding tau pathological aggregation in a prion-like manner. Thus, the aim of this project is to extend the preliminary research to a larger cohort of human TBI brain samples and assess whether the tau oligomers are functional in seeding tau pathology.
Looking onwards, this research may pave the way for a better understanding of the molecular basis of AD and therefore lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating this currently incurable condition.
The successful candidate will join the lab of Dr Romina Vuono, enthusiastic principal investigator with extensive experience in clinical and non-clinical dementia research, studies published in prestigious journals and passionate in supporting the scientific career of enthusiastic candidates. The lab is based at the Medway School of Pharmacy (MSoP), equipped with all the laboratory facilities and technologies required for this project (e.g. cutting-edge microscopy, Real-Time PCR, ELISA readers and Odyssey CLx). Beside this, MSoP is a vibrant intellectual environment which will greatly benefit the PhD journey of the candidate.
Finally, this work is supported by a strong collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the UK Brain Bank Networks. Thus, the candidate will have the unique opportunity to work alongside world’s top scientists.
Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, cell culture, microscopy and image analysis. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills are required. High proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Additional experience in neuroscience, would be an advantage.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.
How to Apply
To apply please go to https://www.msp.ac.uk/postgraduate/?course_id=785&course_level=postgraduate
You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (curriculum vitae, transcript of results, two academic references). You are not required to submit a research proposal.
As an equal opportunities institution we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Funding Notes
This project will be funded by a Medway School of Pharmacy Post Graduate Research Scholarship. Funding will include tuition fees at the Home/EU rate (currently £4,327 per annum) and a stipend at the standard UK Research Councils' rate (currently £15,009).
The Scholarship is available to both UK and EU nationals and will involve undertaking teaching/demonstrating duties during the period of study.
Note: Overseas students are welcome to apply but will have to fund the difference between Home/EU and Overseas fees.
Self-funded applicants and those who have access to international scholarship applications, please contact Dr Romina Vuono directly.
References
1. McKee AC et al, Acta Neuropathol, 2014
2. Vuono R et al, Brain, 2015
3. Vuono R et al, Mov Disord, 2019