Modelling cell therapies for Hirschsprung’s patients

Each year, approximately 170 babies in the UK are born with Hirschsprung’s disease. This potentially life-threatening condition involves intestinal blockage because nerve cells are missing in the lower part of the bowel. Surgical treatment can lead to constipation or incontinence in about 30% of children, and 10% will need a permanent artificial opening of the intestine, in addition to associated psychological difficulties. However, research by our team has recently demonstrated the existence of stem cells that can produce nerves in the piece of intestine that lacks nerves.

We hypothesise that therapies for patients with HSCR can be developed using their own ENSPC derived from the aganglionic bowel. However, a full understanding of the signalling pathways that regulate proliferation and differentiation towards neurons in aganglionic-derived ENSPCs is required before the cells can be employed in any therapy.

Project Aim: To develop novel approaches to treat patients with Hirschsprung’s disease using their own ENSPC derived from the aganglionic bowel.

In this project, the student will be working with human bowel samples, using tissue culture, immune- and RNA expression analysis as well as microscopy. The project is embedded in a thriving, interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment where various aspects of translational approaches to clinical problems using cell therapies are being studied. The supervisory team will include clinician/surgeons who will provide in-depth insight into the clinical needs for the treatment of Hirschsprung’s patients.

To apply please send CV and cover letter to [Email Address Removed]. For application enquires please contact Dr Bettina Wilm, [Email Address Removed]