Is glutamine the answer to reversing blood stem cell ageing (RUSHWORTH_U25DTP1)

Primary Supervisor – Professor Stuart Rushworth 

As our ageing population grows it is becoming increasingly important to better understand the changes that occur during physiological ageing. Ageing drives intrinsic metabolic changes that alter normal physiology and result in tissue dysfunction and the development of numerous age-related diseases. This project will aim to better understand the age-related metabolic changes that occur in blood stem cells with a focus on glutamine metabolism and the impact this has on blood production. Whilst our previous work has demonstrated that the environment in which blood stem cells reside contributes to the impaired response to infection other preliminary has shown that blood stem cells also acquire intrinsic changes that may alter their metabolic function. Therefore, this project aims to study the intrinsic metabolic changes of blood stem cells and how this impacts metabolic output. The PhD student will be trained in vivo techniques including animal handling, isolation of primary cells and techniques to assess metabolic and functional characteristics of cells including FACS analysis, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to track metabolites, qPCR to analyse nucleic acids and western blot, ELISA and metabolic assays. This will give them a number of valuable transferrable skills which will help their scientific career progression. The project will be carried out at the Rushworth Lab based at Norwich Medical School, UEA, which combines research laboratories with medical training facilities. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2025