Targeting a novel immune pathway to treat rheumatic diseases

Medical Research Scotland
PhD Studentship Award

This project is one of 13 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (http://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and Company. The Studentship will provide the first-class academic and commercial training needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.

"Annexin-A1 as a target for T cell mediated pathology in psoriatic arthritis" to be delivered by the University of Glasgow [Supervisors: Professor Carl Goodyear and Professor Iain McInnes (both Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation)] and MedAnnex Ltd (www.medannex.org) [Company supervisor: Dr Fiona Dempsey].

The project will focus on a highly novel drug target (Annexin-A1) that is pivotal in driving a specific type of immune response, which is associated with diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In brief, a distinct T cell subset (Th17 helper T cells) has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of PsA. Annexin-A1, which is over-expressed in T cells from patients with autoimmune disease, can drive activated T cells toward this pathogenic Th17 phenotype. The aim of this studentship is to profile the expression and function of Annexin-A1 in cells from patients with PsA, and determine how the newly designed neutralising antibody (Annexuzlimab) can regulate the activity of annexin-A1 and the resulting immune response. Furthermore, the student will investigate the cellular signalling associated with annexin-A1 activation to gain insights into mechanism-of-action. We anticipate that the results obtained by the student will allow us to dissect the cellular consequences of annexin-A1 activation and the feasibility of reversing this activation in patients with autoimmune disease. In summation, this project will provide essential information for the development of an innovative drug that can target a crucial aspect of PsA pathogenesis.

Importantly, this studentship will capitalise on the expertise of the academic and industrial partners to develop research leaders of tomorrow who can seamlessly transition between academia and industry. The student will be immersed in a world-leading multidisciplinary research community at the University and MedAnnex Ltd.

ENQUIRIES:

Enquiries should be sent by email to Professor Carl Goodyear:
[Email Address Removed]

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK/EU. Applicants should be highly motivated and have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st Class Honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in a relevant subject.

Applicants should direct expressions of interest, including a CV, copy of transcripts, the contact details of 2 academic references (including email addresses) and a covering letter, explaining why the applicant wishes to carry out this project, by email to Professor Carl Goodyear
[Email Address Removed]
before submitting their application online at
https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/#/

Interviews are expected to take place approximately 4 weeks after the closing date for applications.

It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start in September 2018.

When applying, please enter the project title in the programme description box of the application form