The impact of matrix stiffness on smooth muscle cell contractile function (WARRENDU18BHF)

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) line the blood vessel wall and their contraction regulates vascular tone. Ageing and cardiovascular disease progression (including hypertension and atherosclerosis) trigger our blood vessels to stiffen which results in decreased aortic compliance. Importantly, enhanced VSMC contractile activity is proposed to contribute to this increased vessel stiffness. However, the mechanisms driving this process remain unknown. During this interdisciplinary project, you will characterise novel signalling pathways that regulate VSMC contraction in response to enhanced matrix stiffness. You will gain extensive experience in growing VSMCs on hydrogels that replicate physiological and disease stiffness and multiple state of the art cell imaging techniques (including confocal, video-time lapse and traction force microscopy).

Informal enquries can be made directly to Dr Derek Warren at [Email Address Removed]

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here:https://www.uea.ac.uk/pharmacy/people/profile/derek-warren

Type of programme: PhD

Project start date: October 2018

Mode of study: Full time

Entry requirements: Acceptable first degree - Biological Sciences, Medical Biosciences.
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1.