Dr Allain Bueno
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), other types of dementia and neurodegeneration are major health burdens in Western Europe [1]. Although ageing and genotype are important non-modifiable risk factors associated with AD, modifiable risk factors are now believed to play a significant role in the onset and progression of AD [2-5]. Redox signalling is relevant in key neural processes, such as energy metabolism, cell signalling and neurotransmission, and current evidence suggests disturbances in this system are related to AD pathogenesis [6].
Cell membrane phospholipid composition is related to key metabolic processes in healthy and diseased neural tissue [7-9], but the relationship between disturbances in the redox signalling system, lipid peroxidation and amyloidogenesis are yet to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, it has been observed that resveratrol can modulate the activity of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), modulating redox signalling and oxidative stress levels [10, 11], but little information is available regarding the roles of resveratrol and Nrf2 activators in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration.
The successful candidate will be part of the expanding Worcester Biomedical Research Group, which consists of experts within the fields of neurochemistry, cancer, immuno-oncology, protein structure and free radical biology. The student will employ chromatographic, mass spectrometric and molecular biology techniques to investigate biochemical pathways related to neurodegeneration in cultured cells. Collaboration with other researchers within the group and from other institutions will be expected, as well as assisting with seeking external sources of research funding.
Applicants should have a First or Upper Second (2.1) Honours Degree, or expect to receive one by October 2017 within a relevant Biological background. Education to Masters Degree level in a relevant subject area would be advantageous. Experience of scientific data handling with statistical analysis is essential. Excellent oral and written English are a must, as are a commitment and enthusiastic approach to completing a higher research degree.
For the full advertisement and for an application form visit: http://www.worcester.ac.uk/researchstudentships
For an informal discussion about the studentship please contact Dr Allain Bueno (email: [Email Address Removed])
For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Research School (email: [Email Address Removed] or tel: +44 1905 54 2182)
The closing date for applications is Sunday 21st May 2017. Successful candidates will be invited for interview in June 2017.
Funding Notes
The successful applicant will receive a tax free bursary of £ 13863.00 per annum from the University of Worcester plus a fee waiver and access to a research fund to support their research.
References
[1] Jönsson et al. The cost of dementia in Europe: a review of the evidence, and methodological considerations. Pharmacoeconomics. 2009;27(5):391-403
[2] Pedditizi et al. The risk of overweight/obesity in mid-life and late life for the development of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Age Ageing. 2016 Jan;45(1):14-21.
[3] Yasuno et al. Low amyloid-β deposition correlates with high education in cognitively normal older adults: a pilot study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015 Sep;30(9):919-26.
[4] Venigalla et al. Novel promising therapeutics against chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Int. 2016 May;95:63-74.
[5] Hashimoto et al. Neuroprotective and ameliorative actions of polyunsaturated fatty acids against neuronal diseases: beneficial effect of docosahexaenoic acid on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. J Pharmacol Sci. 2011;116(2):150-62.
[6] Higgins et al. Oxidative stress: emerging mitochondrial and cellular themes and variations in neuronal injury. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 2:S453-73.
[7] Guan et al, Decrease and structural modifications of phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen in the brain with Alzheimer disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1999 Jul;58(7):740-7.
[8] Conquer et al. Fatty acid analysis of blood plasma of patients with Alzheimer's disease, other types of dementia, and cognitive impairment. Lipids. 2000 Dec;35(12):1305-12.
[9] Fraser et al. Fatty acid composition of frontal, temporal and parietal neocortex in the normal human brain and in Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Res. 2010 Mar;35(3):503-13.
[10] Shen et al. Resveratrol pretreatment attenuates injury and promotes proliferation of neural stem cells following oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation by upregulating the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 in vitro. Mol Med Rep. 2016 Oct;14(4):3646-54. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5670. Epub 2016 Aug 24.
[11] Csiszár et al. Resveratrol encapsulated in novel fusogenic liposomes activates Nrf2 and attenuates oxidative stress in cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells from aged rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2015 Mar;70(3):303-13.
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