Prof C A O'Neill, Prof Andrew McBain
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The epidermis of skin is the primary interface between the body and the outside world. As such, the epidermis is constantly under threat of dehydration as there is a permanent driving force for water to leave the skin to the external dry environment. Added to this, the skin is constantly exposed to stressors that can leave it inflamed. These include UV radiation from the sun, pollutants, pathogens and potentially products that are routinely used for personal hygiene.
As well as exposure to the environment, the skin is also in constant contact with its commensal bacteria, the microbiota. Recent studies have suggested that the microbiota of the skin, much like that of the gut, plays and important role in skin health. However, the information available thus far is limited.
In this project therefore, we will investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of certain members of the microbiota of the skin. Such activities could be applied to promote skin repair following exposure to stressors.
Professors O’Neill and Macbain have collaborated in the area of host-bacterial interactions in skin and the oral cavity for several years and have a proven track record in publication in the area. This studentship offers an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop a wide variety of techniques spanning microbiology, microbiome analysis, including next generation DNA sequencing and skin biology. The training in host-microbe interactions would put the successful candidate in a unique position. Added to this, the industrial sponsor, SkinBiotherapeutics has experience in translating findings from the research laboratory into human studies and on into the marketplace. The successful candidate would spend time in the company learning how findings from the basic science are translated into new therapies. All of these experiences would put the successful candidate in a highly competitive position in the jobs market following completion of their studies.
www. Skinbiotherapeutics.com
Entry Requirements
Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals only. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Funding Notes
This project is to be funded under the BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme. If you are interested in this project, please make direct contact with the Principal Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. You MUST also submit an online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP websitewww.manchester.ac.uk/bbsrcdtpstudentships
As an equal opportunities institution we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
References
1) Mohammedsaeed, W, Cruickshank SM, McBain A and O’Neill CA (2015) ‘Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Lysate Increases Re-Epithelialization of Keratinocyte Scratch Assays by Promoting Migration’. Scientific Reports, 5 (5): 16147
2) Mohamedsaeed, W, McBain, A, Cruickshank S and O’Neill CA (2014) Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Inhibits the Toxic Effects of Staphylococcus aureus on Epidermal Keratinocytes. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 80(18):5773-81.
3) Sultanna R, McBain A and O’Neill CA (2013) Lysates of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium augment tight junction barrier function in human primary epidermal keratinocytes in a strain dependent manner. Appl. Environ, Microbiol. 79(16) 4887-4894
4) Prince T, McBain A and O’Neill CA (2011) L. Reuteri protects human keratinocytes from the effects of the skin pathogen, S Aureus. Appl environ. Microbial, 78(15):5119-26
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