Prof B Moser, Prof P Taylor, Prof Paul Martin
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Wound repair is essential for tissue health and longevity. We propose that tissue-resident monocytes (MTR), a novel immune cell subset, control this process. The GW4 BioMed student will examine this hypothesis in vitro and in vivo under the supervision of experts in immune cell migration and tissue macrophages (Cardiff) and wound biology (Bristol).
This project focuses on a novel immune cell subset, termed tissue‐resident monocytes (Mtr) with relevance to 1) immune cell migration [chemokines]; 2) tissue immune surveillance [macrophages]; and 3) repair [wound healing]. Significance? Wound healing is essential for maintaining tissue health, functionality and longevity. This is especially true for “body‐lining” tissues, such a skin, that are continuously challenged by the environment (cuts, microbes, UV irradiation).
Macrophages are known to play an essential role in the repair process. Mtr represent a new discovery, i.e. their function is completely unknown. However, they are 4‐fold more numerous than standard skin tissue macrophages suggesting that Mtr make important contributions to skin tissue health, including wound healing (this project). Our preliminary data. The homeostatic chemokine CXCL14 is constitutively expressed at high level in body lining tissues, including skin. We have now identified a prominent subset of CXCL14 target cells (Mtr) in tissues featuring constitutive CXCL14 expression (skin, intestine, kidney) that resemble tissue macrophages. Mtr differ from bona fide macrophages by their lack of CD45 expression.
The techniques for carrying out this PhD project (aims 1‐3) are all up and running in the laboratories of the respective supervisors and includes following specialty training: Aim 1 To define Mtr in healthy mouse skin (Cardiff). Big‐data analyses (RNASeq analysis of skin MTR and blood monocytes). State‐of‐the‐art immunological techniques (flow cytometry, cell culture). Aim 2 To test the in vitro function of mouse skin Mtr (Cardiff). Immune function analyses (cell signalling, cytokine/growth factor production). Aim 3 To test Mtr in a mouse model of wound healing (Bristol/Cardiff). In vivo studies (skin wound healing and scar formation technologies). Added value features include: research collaboration across 2 GW4 institutions to allow specialty training in complementary (non‐overlapping) research areas without which the research question (“Function of Mtr in wound healing”) cannot be addressed. The student will have access to 3 distinct areas of research (immune cell traffic, tissue macrophages and wound repair) and will benefit from outstanding research support. Aim 3 requires the student to travel to Bristol for hands‐on training in wound repair technologies.
The student will discuss the research locally (Cardiff/Bristol) at regular lab meetings and disseminate novel findings at national/international meetings and via research publications. Since Mtr represent a novel as yet undisclosed subset of immune cells within healthy peripheral tissues, we anticipate that the proposed research will be of substantial interest to a broad research community (immunologists, cell biologists) and potentially translational researchers (chronic wounds).
Funding: This studentship is funded through GW4BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. It consists of full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£14,553 p.a. for 2017/18, updated each year).
Additional research and training funding is available over the course of the programme. This will cover costs such as research consumables, courses, conferences and travel. Additional competitive funds are available for high-cost training/research.
The research project listed is in competition with 40 other studentship projects available across the GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Up to 8 studentships will be awarded to the best applicants.
You will need to complete both an application to the GW4 BioMed MRC DTP for an ‘offer of funding’ and to Cardiff University for an ‘offer to study’. (Click ’apply online’ below).
Offer of Funding
Applicants should also apply for funding via the centralised online application form, between 11th May and 9.30am 8th June 2017.
Offer of Study
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University Online Application Service https://tinyurl.com/klqxt3s
Applicants should select ’Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)’, with a start date of October 2017.
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select “I will be applying for a scholarship / grant” and specify that you are applying for advertised funding from GW4 BioMed MRC DTP.
If you are applying for more than one Cardiff University project, please note this in the research proposal section.
Funding Notes
Academic criteria: Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences.
English requirements: If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements of Cardiff University. This will be at least 6.5 in IELTS or an acceptable equivalent.
Residency: Applications are welcome from both UK and EU candidates; however, as a consequence of the EU referendum result, final award decisions will depend on the outcomes of the UK/EU negotiations.
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