University of Nottingham
About the Project
This studentship, based at the University of Nottingham is aligned to the LifeArc Translational Centre for Rare Respiratory Diseases. The Centre funded at £9.5M over five years is a national collaborative grouping that will change the research landscape for people affected by rare lung diseases. The studentship will focus upon modelling and drug discovery in one of the Centre’s exemplar diseases, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). LAM is a rare disease which almost exclusively affects women and is caused by somatic or germline mutations in the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes. LAM is incurable, causes lung cysts, lymphatic abnormalities and renal tumours with patients suffering progressive breathlessness and lung collapse which may lead to respiratory failure and death. Lung, lymphatic and renal problems result from the accumulation of LAM cells, a clone of cells with mutations in the TSC genes resulting in activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) resulting in uncontrolled proliferation, migration and the ability to survive in adverse environments. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin is licenced for LAM, reduces decline in lung function but is not curative and new treatments are needed. The student will examine the mechanisms of lung damage in LAM; using and developing complex tissue culture models for applications in drug repurposing in collaboration with other members of the LifeArc Centre.
The successful applicant will be based in the University’s Biodiscovery Institute, a multi-disciplinary research environment in a new state-of-the-art laboratory building. The student will learn a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques including 3D tissue culture, RNA sequencing, extra-cellular matrix preparation and advanced microscopy. The group are closely aligned to the National Centre for LAM, based in Nottingham where most patients receive their care and contribute samples and data for research.
Entry requirements: A high 2.1 or 1st class degree in a relevant biological degree. This project requires a motivated and driven candidate. Laboratory hands-on experience in tissue culture techniques is desirable and experience with primary cells would be advantageous, but neither are compulsory.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to [email protected]
To apply: candidates should email a CV with contact details for 2 referees, and a covering letter stating why you are interested in the project to [email protected]
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