The development and application of non-invasive imaging technologies for investigating the behaviour of administered stem cells

This 4 year BBSRC CASE studentship is an interdisciplinary project focussing on the development of novel imaging strategies to assess the behaviour of cellular therapies following their administration in vivo. The academic supervisors are Prof Patricia Murray (Institute of Translational Medicine), Prof Harish Poptani (Institute of Translational Medicine) and Prof Matthew Rosseinsky (Dept of Chemistry). The CASE Partner is Advanced Molecular Visition (CEO Ardy Arjomandi).

Building on our expertise in stem cells/imaging/nanoprobe development, the project will focus on the development and application of multifunctional imaging probes to track the behaviour of administered cells and investigate their interactions with key effector cells of the innate immune system. Recent work by ourselves and others have shown that following systemic administration, most cells die within 24h, but nevertheless can have long-lasting therapeutic effects (Santeramo et al, Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2017). Evidence suggests that the main effect of the administered cells is to modulate innate immune cells such as macrophages, but it is not clear what the nature of these interactions are. Greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms requires novel imaging strategies that enable both the administered cells and the macrophages to be imaged simultaneously in vivo using non-invasive imaging.

The academic supervisors are lead investigators within the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform (UKRMP) Safety and Efficacy Hub, a key focus of which has been to develop novel imaging probes and imaging strategies to monitor the behaviour of administered cells using multi-modal imaging strategies. The project therefore builds on considerable expertise in stem cell biology, nanochemistry and imaging that has developed over the course of the UKRMP programme.

Advanced Molecular Vision (AMV) is a UK-based SME specialising in preclinical and clinical imaging systems, and has recently installed a high frequency ultrasound imaging system at the University of Liverpool. The proposed CASE project will enable the company to work with the University of Liverpool to develop novel contrast agents and imaging applications that will facilitate growth of the company and increase revenue.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Sciences subject or Chemistry with a grade of 2:1 or above and/or a Master’s degree.

To apply, please send CV and cover letter to Patricia Murray at [Email Address Removed]