Pulmonary hypertension: sex and notch signalling

Human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) and systemic vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) are regulated differentially by key signalling pathways. For example, estrogenic signalling causes Nox-dependent ROS production in hPASMCs but not in hVSMCs. Recently there has been much interest in the role of the Notch (neurogenic locus notch homologue protein) pathway in both the pulmonary circulation (MacLean’s field of research) and small vessel diseases (Touyz’s field of research).

This project will bring these two groups together to understand the differences in Notch3 signalling in hPASMCs and hVSMCs with a particular focus on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy). Using animal models, in vivo skills, molecular biology and genomics we will determine the regulation of the Notch3 pathway by estrogens in animal models of PAH and CADASIL. Touyz has access to the largest Scottish cohort of patients with CADASIL and MacLean has access to PAH clinical tissues via Papworth Hospital. To translate our results into a clinical setting we will study these regulatory signalling pathways in hPASMCs and hVSMCs from patients with PAH and CADASIL.

MVLS COLLEGE STUDENTSHIPS 2017

This is one of 10 fully funded studentship positions in the College of Medical Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences. Projects are available from each of the research institutes within the College. Our next intake will be for PhD projects commencing October 2017.

The positions are fully funded for 3.5 years, and includes an annual consumable allowance.

All projects can be viewed here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/mvlscollegestudentships/projects/ - NOTE: DETAIL WITHIN STEP 6 OF APPLICATION PROCESS THE SUPERVISOR AND PROJECT TITLE.

Supervisors:
Prof Mandy MacLean - [Email Address Removed]
Prof Rhian Touyz - [Email Address Removed]