DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Determination of the microstructural extracellular and cellular response of young and aged anterior cruciate ligaments in the mammalian knee joint to mechanical load

Project description: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located within the mammalian knee joint and is essential for the normal function and stability of the joint. ACL degeneration and rupture has major impact in terms of morbidity to the affected individuals and financial implications in terms of the time dedicated to rehabilitation following this injury and the associated osteoarthritis that develops in later life. However, there is currently a paucity of information on how healthy ACLs respond to different loads and to ageing at a microstructural level. This project will provide essential knowledge on how cells and their associated extracellular matrix within the ACL respond to normal function with healthy ageing. This information is vital to improve our understanding on how we can develop strategies to halt or slow down identifiable ageing changes thereby preventing tissue injury and degeneration, rupture and eventual osteoarthritis.

Supervisory team and skills: The project will be primarily located at the University of Liverpool where the student will learn skills in imaging the cells and extracellular matrix of canine ACLs using histological and immunohistochemical methods by Professors Eithne Comerford and Peter Clegg. Professor Hazel Screen will provide training at the Queen Mary University London on the ex vivo ligament mechanical loading and response to loading using confocal microscopy. The student will also spend time at the University of Leeds with Dr. Marlène Mengoni developing computational models and simulating injury to the ligament complexes. The student will also have the opportunity to attend courses on innovation and translation of medical technologies through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Leeds.

Environment: The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment, we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

For more information on the research group of which you would be a member please follow this link:

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/research-groups/tendon-and-ligament/publications/

Candidates should hold or be expected to obtain a First or Upper Second class Honours degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant Biological subject. If English is not your first language you must have IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with no component below 5.5.