About the Project
We have recently demonstrated that a series of charged and hydrophobic ligands including diesel particles activate platelets through one or both of the tyrosine kinase-linked receptors, GPVI and CLEC-2 (Alshehri et al., 2015). In both cases, ligand engagement activates Src and Syk family kinases leading to platelet aggregation and secretion. In this study, we will extend this work to polymers of poly-l-lysine to investigate the influence of polymer length in mediating activation. We will extend this work to negatively charged ligands, and other stimuli including engineered nanoparticles. The work has important implications for mechanisms underlying activation of both receptors, including exposure to charged surfaces.
Alshehri, O., Montague, S., Watson, S., Carter, P., Sarker, N., Manne, B.K., Le Miller, J., Herr, A.B., Pollitt, A.Y., O’Callaghan, C.A., Kunapuli, S.P., Arman, M., Hughes, C.E. & Watson, S.P. (2015) Activation of Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and C-type Lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) underlies platelet activation by diesel exhaust particles and other charged/hydrophobic ligands. Biochem. J. 468, 459-473
For more information about the Watson research group and the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences please see :
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/cardiovascular-sciences/index.aspx
To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering email/letter for consideration by Prof Steve Watson ([Email Address Removed])
Funding Notes
All applicants should indicate in their applications how they intend to fund their studies. We have a thriving community of international PhD students and encourage applications from students of any nationality able to fund their own studies through a competitive scholarship. We will only consider applications from prospective students with:
- a good biomedical degree, with interests in any of the areas outlined above,
- good command of the English language as outlined in the postgraduate prospectus,
- a source of funding to cover tuition fees and bench fees
References
Alshehri, O., Montague, S., Watson, S., Carter, P., Sarker, N., Manne, B.K., Le Miller, J., Herr, A.B., Pollitt, A.Y., O’Callaghan, C.A., Kunapuli, S.P., Arman, M., Hughes, C.E. & Watson, S.P. (2015) Activation of Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and C-type Lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) underlies platelet activation by diesel exhaust particles and other charged/hydrophobic ligands. Biochem. J. 468, 459-473
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