Prof I Spyridopoulos
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Recent advances in the timely opening of the blocked artery and stent placement has greatly improved the immediate outcome of patients with an acute heart attack. However, there is also significant damage caused by the abrupt restoration of oxygen and blood flow, which leads to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This can add damage to the infarcted heart tissue and increase the scar size, which contributes to the increasing number of patients who suffer from heart failure following their heart attack. We have recently generated data that points to a role of the immune system in IRI and more specifically to a protein called fractalkine (CX3CL1) that causes white blood cells to stick to the wall of a vessel and contributes to tissue damage, for example by increased leucocyte plugging of the small arteries. The project is aimed at investigating whether inhibiting the fractalkine-dependent interaction between white blood cells and the vessel wall will reduce scar size and improve cardiac function following a heart attack.
This is a 3 year British Heart Foundation funded PhD at Newcastle University, UK, for students with special interest and a background in cardiovascular biology or immunology. Candidates must be UK/EU nationals and have a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). A further qualification or research experience would be advantageous.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/. Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, please complete the following:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Genetic Medicine as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code HG059 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code HG059 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications
Funding Notes
Sponsor: British Heart Foundation
The award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for the three year duration of your PhD and an annual tax-free stipend at British Heart Foundation rates (£19,919 year 1, £21,542 year 2 and £23,298 year 3). The award also covers all research expenses.
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