Prof G Parker, Dr N Muhlert, Dr D Rog
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. Cognitive impairment is common and is strongly associated with adverse outcomes including unemployment. Recent studies across a number of neurodegenerative conditions demonstrate that pathology typically occurs along networks of connected brain regions. These regions may be selectively vulnerable due to specific metabolic and cytoarchitectural characteristics. MS, long considered a multi-focal condition characterised by random pathology in the central nervous system, has recently been re-evaluated, in light of similar, network-based pathology.
The present study will examine how changes in core cortical hub regions relate to cognitive impairment in people with MS using a number of complementary approaches. First, we will examine whether patterns of cognitive impairment reflect changes within these core regions. Second, we will examine whether these regions demonstrate changes in levels of sodium accumulation and cortical connectivity at early stages in MS. Third, we will examine whether similar changes occur in the specific pathways linking these hub regions. These findings will offer substantial new insight into the mechanisms of pathology in MS and the factors that affect employment, social function and quality of life.
Throughout this project, the successful candidate have the opportunity to work in a thriving academic environment, but also to spend time with our industrial collaborator, Bioxydyn, developing neuroimaging techniques for the medical imaging services industry.
http://www.qbi-lab.org/
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/geoff.parker/
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/nils.muhlert/
Funding Notes
This project is to be funded under the MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. If you are interested in this project, please make direct contact with the Principal Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. You MUST also submit an online application form, full details on how to apply can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/mrc-dtp/
Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals only. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
References
1. Steenwijk MD, Geurts JJ, Daarns M, Tijms BM, Wink AM, Balk TJ, Tewarie PK, Uitdehaag BM, Barkhof F, Vrenken H, Pouwels PJ. (2016). Cortical atrophy patterns in multiple sclerosis are non-random and clinically relevant. Brain 139: 115-26.
2. Meijer K, Cercignani M, Muhlert N, Sethi V, Chard D, Geurts JJ, Ciccarelli O. (2016). Patterns of white matter damage are non-random and associated with cognitive function in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Neuroimage Clinical 12: 123-31.
3. Ahmed R, Devenney EM, Irish M et al. (In press). Neuronal network disintegration: common pathways linking neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
4. Rao SM, Leo GJ, Bernardin L, Uverzagt F. (1991). Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis I: frequency of patterns and predictions. Neurology 41: 685-91.
5. Leech R, Sharp DJ. (2014). The role of the posterior cingulate cortex in cognition and disease. Brain 137: 12-32.
6. Lambon-Ralph M, Pobric G, Jefferies E. (2009). Conceptual knowledge is underpinned by the temporal pole bilaterally: Convergent evidence from rTMS. Cerebral Cortex 19: 832-38.
7. Paling D, Solanky BS, Riemer F, Tozer DJ, Wheeler-Kingshott CA, Kapoor R, Golay X, Miller DH. (2013). Sodium accumulation is associated with disability and a progressive course in multiple sclerosis. Brain 136: 2305-17.
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