Disrupted homeostasis linked to ageing can result in a significant loss of physiological function and a reduced quality of life for elderly people. Many aged people suffer from bowel disorders, which can include constipation/faecal incontinence which have been linked to increased institutionalization, morbidity and mortality. Current therapies, including pharmacotherapy, for these conditions are less than ideal. Partly, this is because the causes of constipation/incontinence are multifactorial (and poorly understood) with potential degenerative changes in muscle, nervous and secretory tissues that mediate bowel function. Studies in our laboratory have shown age-related changes in a variety of bowel cell types including autonomic (enteric) neurons, epithelial mucosa and interstitial cells. Currently studies are focussed on the molecular basis of these changes. Preliminary proteomic analysis has revealed that a number of proteins, including those linked to mitochondrial function and structural integrity are differentially expressed in aged bowel (although these observations lack resolution). Thus, the proposed project will use a combination of laser-microdissection, proteomic/mRNA analysis and immunocytochemistry to determine the intracellular changes in bowel cells in a mouse (murine) model of ageing. To facilitate this the Department of Applied Sciences is fully equipped with laser-microdissection facilities, fluorescent/confocal microscopes and a state-of the-art multi-omics laboratory. Furthermore, a banked series of tissue samples across the life course of the animal is available. Long-term these studies have the potential to inform future drug treatment. The principal investigator Dr Rachel N. Ranson has a continuing collaboration with Dr M. Jill Saffrey, Prof Gary Black and Prof Darren Smith who will act as co-supervisors/advisors for this project.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non- UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above)
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (up to 1000 words maximum) including why you are interested in this PhD, a summary of the relevant experience you can bring to this project and of your understanding of this subject area with relevant references (beyond the information already provided in the advert). Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. SF22/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: Ongoing
Start Date: 1st October and 1st March are the standard cohort start dates each year.
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University hold a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career development of researchers.
Informal enquiries to Dr Rachel N. Ranson ([Email Address Removed])