Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations (cAVM) relate to a spectrum of conditions associated with blood vessel abnormalities of the brain [1]. cAVM present as a ‘tangle’ of abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain, which frequently lead to bleeding within the brain. cAVM are almost always congenital and are thought to arise from an error in blood vessel formation in early pregnancy. Although rare, affecting 1 in 1,000 people, and seemingly harmless in about a third of patients, cAVM can have devastating life-changing and life-threatening consequences such as seizures, brain haemorrhage or stroke. cAVM are a young person’s disease; the average age of those seeking medical attention being only 34 years. Treatment options for patients are largely focused on neurosurgical intervention. We still do not fully understand the pathophysiology of cAVM and as such no specific medications are currently available.
We are studying the molecular mechanisms associated with the formation of abnormal arterio-venous connections in cAVM. In cAVM, the ‘angioarchitecture’ (i.e. the shape and size of these blood vessel abnormalities) can change, and in some cases new blood vessels develop in a process called angiogenesis. Experimental work has shown that a signalling protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which stimulates angiogenesis, is found at high levels in cAVM and represents a promising treatment target [2], however further investigation is necessary. Using zebrafish disease models [3-5], we aim to further characterise the development of cAVMs over time and investigate the role of defective angiogenic processing in this pathology. Furthermore, we will perform pharmacological intervention studies to determine whether manipulation of angiogenesis signalling pathways (e.g. VEGF inhibition) can limit cAVM formation. This work will improve our understanding of the role of VEGF in cAVM development and determine whether VEGF represents a realistic therapeutic target for this condition in the future.
Training/techniques to be provided:
Home Office personal licence.
Zebrafish disease modelling.
Phenotyping.
Live imaging.
Molecular biology.
Immunohistochemistry.
Drug screening.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture and molecular biology, are particularly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Genetics
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/”
For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit http://www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk
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