MSc studentship: Is the endothelial glycocalyx damaged in cats with cardiomyopathies and chronic kidney disease?

The MSc studentship project:

Heart and kidney diseases are common in cats, affecting ~15% and 30% of cats respectively, and are significant causes of death, particularly in older cats. Endothelial cell dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of human cardiac and kidney diseases. The endothelium intrinsically links both heart and kidney function and so disease in either organ can result in decreased function of the other - known as the cardiorenal syndrome. The cardiorenal syndrome is recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in human patients, but is little understood in cats.
The endothelial glycocalyx is a gel-like matrix covering the luminal side of the endothelial cells and is important for healthy endothelial function. In human patients, cardiac disease can cause endothelial glycocalyx damage that results in kidney disease. This has never been investigated in cats, but we have, for the first time ever, recently visualized the healthy feline endothelial glycocalyx using perfusion fixation and electron microscopy. Using case material from cats presenting to Langford Vets with cardiac and/ or chronic kidney disease, the project will investigate the effects of these disease processes on the endothelial glycocalyx, both by quantifying glycocalyx damage by direct visualization and indirectly by measurement of serum markers of glycocalyx damage. Training will be provided in general research methods (e.g. scientific writing, statistical analysis, etc.) and specific laboratory techniques (e.g. performance of ELISAs, electron microscopy, etc.).

Interviews for this MSc studentship will be held on Wednesday 22nd August 2018.

How to apply:
Please make an online application for this project at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select ‘Faculty of Health Sciences’ and then ‘Veterinary Science_(MSc by Research)’ on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.

Candidate requirements: Applications are invited from veterinary graduates and applicants with an honours degree in a relevant subject area. The student will be based at the Langford Campus, but laboratory work will be undertaken at the Medical School (Bristol Renal) in central Bristol. Standard University of Bristol eligibility rules apply. Please visit http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2018/health-sciences/phd-veterinary-sciences for more information.

Contacts: Please contact Dr. Melanie Hezzell ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof. Séverine Tasker ([Email Address Removed]) for more information about the project.