Assessing the relationship of lung inflammation and infection to recurrent pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic disorder affecting over 10,000 people in the UK. People with CF (PWCF) suffer from recurrent and destructive lung infections, termed pulmonary exacerbations (PExs). Neutrophil elastase (NE) degrades the extracellular matrix in the CF lung. In the normal lung, the airways are protected from these damaging effects by antiproteases. But in CF there is a relative imbalance of these, resulting in relentless lung injury and respiratory failure. Patients also become susceptible to a range of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, using next generation sequencing techniques considerably more bacteria and viruses maybe implicated in PExs. The role of lung inflammation, particularly imbalance in proteases/antiproteases and infection in the precipitation of a PEx has not been elucidated.

In this PhD project we will investigate the microbiome and lung inflammatory signal in sputum samples in PWCF that have frequent PExs. Patient sputum samples will undergo microbiome analysis and inflammatory mediators will be measured via a variety of activity and ELISA-based assays. If an inflammatory and infective signature could identify those patients primed to have frequent PExs then treatment could be particularly targeted to that cohort and offset the lung destruction.

PLEASE NOTE:

This project will involve Regulated Activity (working with children and/or vulnerable groups).

The successful applicant will be required to supply their details to the School Postgraduate Office in order for a criminal history check to be undertaken (Enhanced Disclosure Checks). The project will be conditional on the successful applicant being issued with a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/