Role Of CDK9 In Zebrafish Heart Repair And Regeneration Following Resolution Of Inflammation

Medical Research Scotland
PhD Studentship Award

This project is one of 11 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (http://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and Company. The Studentship will provide the first-class academic and commercial training needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.

"Role Of CDK9 In Zebrafish Heart Repair And Regeneration Following Resolution Of Inflammation" to be delivered by the University of Edinburgh [Supervisors: Dr Martin Denvir (BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science) and Professor Adriano Rosssi (Centre for Inflammation Research)] and Bioascent Ltd (http://www.bioascent.com/) [Company supervisor: Dr Simon MacKenzie].

Zebrafish larvae possess many functional biological responses in order to survive at this early stage of life. In particular, they are capable of defending themselves from infection and protecting themselves from trauma and unwanted tissue damage. These inflammatory responses, if un-checked or uncontrolled, can lead to acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in animals and humans. In the heart they can lead to scarring and abnormal physiological responses that, in turn, can result in heart failure. We hypothesise that when the inflammatory response starts to abate (a process termed inflammation resolution) a new chain of events is set in motion that aids recovery, repair of tissues and, especially in the fish, permits tissue regeneration (a process that occurs in certain mammalian tissues, such as the liver, but not in many other tissues and organs). In this study we will visualise, quantify and manipulate the inflammatory response, especially inflammation resolution in the heart, in order to promote tissue repair and regeneration. To do this we will investigate the role of key white blood cells, i.e. neutrophils and macrophages involved in the inflammatory response and analyse the processes and pathways that our laboratory has shown to be important for inflammation resolution. The project will focus on novel compounds that have the potential to affect inflammation resolution and in turn lead to a greater understanding of tissue repair and regeneration. The findings will have a major impact in biological and medical research and contribute to translational medicine.

ENQUIRIES:

Enquiries should be sent by email to Dr Martin Denvir:
[Email Address Removed]

APPLICATIONS:

Candidates must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK BSc Honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in a biomedical related discipline.

Applicants should send a CV, the contact details of 2 academic references (including email addresses) and a covering letter, explaining why the applicant the applicant is well suited to undertake this project, by email to Ms Lynn McKinlay:
[Email Address Removed]

Interviews are expected to take place approximately 4-6 weeks after the closing date for applications.

It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start in September 2017.