About the Project
Supervisors:
Professor Christopher Mitchell
Dr Chris Gill
Project Description
A common pathogenic mechanism for progression in numerous chronic diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease [AD]) is a direct relationship between microvascular pathology and cognitive decline. In a murine model of AD we investigated a hormone involved in satiety and showed that it restores microvascular pathology and mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to AD) in a well-established model of AD (the APP/PS-1 mouse [Kelly et al., 2015]). Similarly, polyphenol rich fruits including blueberries, strawberries and acai fruit have positive effects on aspects of cognition, that can neither be fully explained by effects on neurogenesis nor on inflammation. Raspberry polyphenols have been reported to be neuroprotective, exerting both anti-angiogenic properties and anti-inflammatory properties. We therefore hypothesise that raspberry polyphenols can ameliorate systemic & cerebral microvascular pathology in the APP/PS-1 mouse model resulting in improved cognition. This PhD project will examine the potential for long-term berry rich diets to reduce microvascular damage and cognitive decline in wild-type and APP/PS-1 mice using small animal surgical techniques, vascular casting, scanning electron microscopy, histological processing, staining and analysis/stereology. Immunohistochemistry. The candidate should be highly motivated and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a dynamic research group. As this PhD project involves the use of animals in Biomedical Research, training for Home Office Personal Licence modules 1-4 (including surgery) is implicit. Experience of small animal surgery is desirable, although not essential as training will be provided. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required as the results of this PhD will be presented at local, national and International meetings.
Informal enquiries ([Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]) are welcome.
NB: This project is also available on a self-funded basis
References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
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