Computer modelling of the retinal vasculature for biomarker discovery in MS at University of Edinburgh on FindAPhD.com

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Dr T MacGillivray No more applications being accepted Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

The eye, with common embryonic origins to the brain and other shared anatomical features such as a blood–tissue barrier, is an area of the central nervous system amenable to non-invasive study. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) measures thickness of nerve fibres in the retina, with MS patients showing axonal loss through a marked thinning of this layer. OCT has also revealed a lower density of blood vessels around the optic nerve in MS while our own pilot data from fundus imaging suggests differences in venules in the peripheral retina associate with disease. Retinal metrics may reflect neurodegeneration and neurovascular change with possible utility in detection and tracking of MS over time.

With access to different machines in Edinburgh, the student will combine images through development of novel post-processing to build an unparalleled view or description of the retinal vasculature not previously attempted, including the smallest discernible vessels around the macula to the main arcades near the optic nerve and their branches extending out to the periphery. The student will probe for a vascular mechanism in the pathogenesis of MS using novel metrics and combine with established measures of neuroretinal anatomy to investigate association with disease via machine learning and statistics.

Prerequisites
Honours degree, 2.1 or above
Programming competence - e.g. Matlab
Graduate of an appropriate discipline - e.g. Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Informatics
Team player ready to work in a collegiate environment
Experience of clinical studies and clinical statistics
Experience with imaging and image analysis, especially medical and specifically retinal
Experience with mathematical modelling of biomedical systems.

The project is a part of SPRINT-MND/MS, a new Scotland-wide PhD scheme for research into motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. Projects, encompassing a wide range of topics including laboratory, clinical, and social sciences, are available at Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews Universities. This exciting initiative provides a great opportunity for budding researchers in any field related to MND or MS to join Scotland’s network of world-leading scientists and health professionals. Find more information here: http://www.edinburghneuroscience.ed.ac.uk/edneurophd/sprint-mndms-phd-programme

Funding Notes

Studentships are for three years and include a standard non-clinical stipend*, UK/EU fees* and an allowance for consumables and travel. The cohort of SPRINT students will also be offered opportunities to attend clinics and meet patients, undertake ‘taster’ placements in a different field, and participate in public engagement and researcher networking events. *Clinical and/or non-UK/EU applicants are eligible to apply. However, because any shortfall in stipend or fees must be met by the supervisory team, written agreement from the supervisor must accompany the application.

References

London A, Benhar I, Schwartz M. The retina as a window to the brain-from eye research to CNS disorders. Nat Rev Neurol. 2013 Jan;9(1):44-53.
Petzold A, Balcer LJ, Calabresi PA, et al. Retinal layer segmentation in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol. 2017 Oct;16(10):797-812.
Bhaduri B, Nolan RM, Shelton RL, et al. Detection of retinal blood vessel changes in multiple sclerosis with optical coherence tomography. Biomed Opt Express. 2016 May 20;(6):2321-30.
MacGillivray TJ, Trucco E, Cameron JR, et al. Retinal imaging as a source of biomarkers for diagnosis, characterization and prognosis of chronic illness or long-term conditions. Br J Radiol. 2014 Aug;87(1040):20130832.
Patton N, Aslam T, Macgillivray T, et al. Retinal vascular image analysis as a potential screening tool for cerebrovascular disease: a rationale based on homology between cerebral and retinal microvasculatures. J Anat. 2005 Apr;206(4):319-48.

Where will I study?

University of Edinburgh

One of the world''s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2020. We provide a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to excellent facilities and attract the world''s best, from Nobel Prize winning laureates to future explorers, pioneers and inventors.

Computer modelling of the retinal vasculature for biomarker discovery in MS

University of Edinburgh College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine