Funding

Self-funded

Project code

PHBM5341024

Department

School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and will be supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso, Dr Priyanka Dey and Professor Arthur Butt.

 

The work on this project will involve:

  • Genome Editing Techniques - Implement state-of-the-art genome editing techniques, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, as part of this project to advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms in neural regeneration.
  • Skill Development - Offer the candidate an opportunity for skill development in molecular and cellular techniques, with a focus on genomic and transcriptomic analysis. This encompasses advanced chemical and light imaging techniques, as well as gene expression analysis.
  • Cellular Models and Zebrafish Training - Provide hands-on training for the candidate in utilising cellular models and zebrafish, an emerging vertebrate model for studying disease, development, and regeneration. This training offers valuable hands-on experience.
  • Contribution to Regeneration Strategies - Directly contribute to the project's goal of identifying new strategies to treat trauma in the central nervous system. The outcomes of this project may pave the way for innovative approaches to address CNS trauma.

In the UK, 50,000 people currently live with spinal cord injury (SCI), and an additional 2,500 new cases are reported annually. SCI results in a permanent loss of sensation and movement, serving as a primary cause of paralysis for which effective treatments are currently unavailable. These profound consequences stem from the limited regenerative potential of human nervous cells. In contrast, species like zebrafish exhibit remarkable regenerative abilities, including the regeneration of brain and spinal cord tissues. Our research harnesses this extraordinary capability of zebrafish to shed light on how regeneration can be enhanced in the human nervous system.

Following injury, immune cells migrate to affected tissues, triggering inflammation. The interaction between immune cells and injured tissues plays a crucial role in determining whether the affected area regenerates or forms scars, ultimately losing its function. To enhance regenerative outcomes in humans, it is imperative to unravel the intricate communication between immune cells and injured tissues.

Interestingly, Eph proteins are re-activated in the nervous system post-injury, and Eph-mutant zebrafish exhibit accelerated recovery after SCI. The primary objective of this project is to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Eph signalling during neural regeneration. This exploration may unveil novel molecular pathways governing tissue repair and contribute to the identification of innovative therapies for promoting brain and spinal cord regeneration in humans.

This project will involve the application of state-of-the-art imaging and molecular techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, as well as transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Importantly, during this programme you will be trained in the use of zebrafish in biomedical research.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only – eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. 

Entry Requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Biomedical or Biological Sciences or a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Jordi Cayuso (jordi.cayuso@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

When applying please quote project code:PHBM5341024