Investigating the role of progenitor/stem cells in Glaucoma

The University of Liverpool has an excellent track record in delivering international, high quality, translational research. The Department of Eye and Vision Science (DEVS) is located within the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD). The DEVS is strongly translational with integration of clinical and non-clinical academics and research active NHS clinicians and has a highly successful research partnership with the regional clinic service in St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUH) and its Clinical Eye Research Centre. There is a focus on four research themes: ocular molecular biology and mechanisms of disease, advanced cell based therapies of the eye, ocular bioengineering and imaging technology, clinical studies of the eye in health and disease.

Excellent facilities are available across IACD, the University and in RLUH which has been enhanced with the Institute’s recent move to a new purpose-built department linked to the development of the new RLUH due to be completed in 2017. There are dedicated modern laboratory facilities available to undertake the proposed project including cell culture, imaging, molecular biology and anterior chamber perfusion model. Major investment has been made recently including the development of a Research Eye Bank and the equipping of new tissue culture, molecular genetics and microscopy labs.

This project concerns novel therapeutic strategies to combat the blinding disease of Glaucoma. There is an urgent need for further treatment options as glaucoma already represents a massive clinical, social and financial burden both nationally and internationally. Unfortunately with age there is a progressive loss of trabecular meshwork cells from the outflow pathway which is even more severe with patients with glaucoma. The resulting increase in pressure in the eye due to poor drainage can result in irreversible damage to the retina causing blindness. Replacing these lost cells may therefore have a therapeutic potential and we know there is subpopulation of cells (adult stem cells) that have the potential to repopulate the outflow pathway. The biology of how these cells can repopulate the outflow pathway is poorly understood. We therefore aim to identify and examine the capacity of these stem cells to repopulate and function in the outflow pathway and also the molecular control of these cells with a view of developing new treatment strategies for glaucoma. The student will develop a broad range of laboratory techniques including stem cell culture, gene expression analysis, protein expression analysis, bioinformatics, live cell microscopy and flow cytometry.

All postgraduate students undertake the PGR Development Programme which aims to enhance their skills for a successful research experience and career. They are required to maintain an online record of their progress and record their personal and professional development throughout their research degree. The 1st Year Development Workshops encourage inter- and cross-disciplinary thinking and identify and develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities that all students require. In the 2nd year all students take part in a Poster Day to provide an opportunity to present their research to a degree educated general public, and in the 3rd year students complete a career development module. Other online training, such as ‘Managing your supervisor’ and ‘Thesis writing’ is provided centrally.

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

We have a thriving international researcher community and encourage applications from students of any nationality able to fund their own studies or who wish to apply for their own funding. Assistance with funding applications will also be given.

Informal enquiries regarding this project should be made to Dr Carl Sheridan ([Email Address Removed]) and Professor Colin Willoughby ([Email Address Removed] ).
To apply send your CV and covering letter by email to Dr Carl Sheridan (mailto:[Email Address Removed]). with a copy to [Email Address Removed]