Uncovering the mechanisms of cryoprotectant toxicity and improving cryopreservation protocols

Cryopreservation is the process of placing cells, organs or even whole organisms at low temperatures so that they remain in a state of suspended animation and function is preserved. Cryobiology is a crucial area of research for modern biotechnology due to the importance of biobanking, from developing reliable stem cell storage systems, organ banking for transplants as well as storage for engineered tissues. At present, cryopreservation technology is only successful for cell lines and very small tissues. More research is required before whole organs can successfully be cryopreserved while retaining their biological integrity. Given the importance of organ transplants and the growing field of tissue engineering, perfecting cryopreservation methods would have a profound impact on medicine.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious student to study cryopreservation and cryoprotectant toxicity. The constraints placed by delicate biological structures set many challenges for the science of cryopreservation. The chemicals which block ice formation and remove intracellular water (called cryoprotectants) are also toxic, to varying degrees. The complexity of this toxicity effect has been the biggest barrier to clinical application of vitrification in human tissues and organs. To unravel this complex sequence of interactions, we are using many techniques combined with genomic methods to study the mechanisms of cryoprotectant toxicity in human cells. Our goal is to identify genes and other mechanisms at work in cryoprotectant toxicity; this will give us direct targets for drug discovery. The exact direction of this project, however, will be adapted to fit the research interests of the student. Ultimately we aim to improve cryopreservation protocols to make long-term storage of stem cells, engineered tissues and organs more efficient.

Further details about our work on cryopreservation are available at:
http://cryopreservation.org.uk/

More information about our lab is also available online:
https://www.liv.ac.uk/integrative-biology/staff/joao-de-magalhaes/

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr de Magalhaes ([Email Address Removed]) in the first instance for an informal discussion.

Training associated with this project:
This project will provide a rich and diverse training in contemporary cell and molecular biology techniques, biochemistry, toxicology and cryobiology. Specifically, the student will be trained in cell and molecular biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture, qRT-PCR and RNAi.

In addition to the generic skills training that is provided through the Institute and University PhD programme, the student will be supported by an excellent infrastructure and will work closely with experts on cell biology, pharmacology and toxicology. This diverse and stimulating environment will allow a creative and talented student to develop key skills and the project is flexible enough to allow the student to develop his or her own research interests. The student will be well-prepared for a successful career in research and in industry.