Molecular Optical Imaging of Cathepsin D in the Human Alveolar Space

This project is offered as part of the Medical Research Foundation National PhD Training Programme in AMR: https://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=3755

Cathepsin D is a key component of the host response to pathogenic bacteria expressed by macrophages. Activation of this protease aids intracellular killing of bacteria and can be used to determine whether the macrophage is responding appropriately to the bacteria. We wish to develop a probe that can measure activation of this protease in macrophages in vivo. This will be used this to measure cathepsin D activation in patient’s lungs using a technique called alveoscopy, which images molecular events at the time of bronchoscopy, where an optical fibre is passed into the patient’s lungs and molecular optical probes are used to label molecules of interest. This project will involve working with biologists and chemists to synthesise and screen a library of peptides to develop a sensor of cathepsin D activation. This will be assessed in cell culture using microscopy and flow cytometry based techniques. The leading candidate will be tested in ex vivo ventilated lungs to test its potential utility for human molecular optical imaging. The successful PhD candidate for this project will be embedded in the EPSRC and MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Optical Medical Imaging (OPTIMA). OPTIMA marries interdisciplinary research in the field of imaging with a programme of integrated study in Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship. For more information on the Centre see here: www.optima-cdt.ac.uk. The student will join a cohort of students working in OPTIMA at the interface between chemistry, optical imaging and cell biology and there will be additional training offered in the business aspects of the project and opportunities for local student cohort activities.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and CV with 2 academic referees to this email address [Email Address Removed]. You should state in the subject heading of this email “MRFOPTIMA Application”. Please state the title and main supervisor of the project you are applying for in your email. For any queries, please contact [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]