PhD Studentship in Pharmacology: Pharmacological effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on mesenchymal stem cells in endometriosis

Supervisors: Prof Darius Widera / Dr Graeme Cottrell

Venture Overview:

Endometriosis is a typical long-term well being situation that impacts round 190 million ladies of reproductive age worldwide. It causes extreme ache in periods, intercourse, going to the bathroom, and typically simply normal pelvic discomfort, bloating, and tiredness. Endometriosis may have an effect on feelings, usually resulting in melancholy and nervousness.

It happens when tissue from the uterus grows outdoors of the womb, inflicting irritation and irregular blood vessel progress. Particular sorts of cells referred to as fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells play an important function in endometriosis, as they assist change the construction of tissues, promote irritation, and have an effect on how blood vessels kind.

CBD, a pure compound present in hashish vegetation, has proven promise in decreasing irritation, defending cells, and relieving ache. Because of its anti-inflammatory results, CBD is a promising drug candidate for the therapy of endometriosis.

This analysis challenge, which is partly funded by MRX Medical, an organization that creates new medicines from cannabinoids, will discover how CBD would possibly deal with endometriosis. Particularly, the main focus is on how CBD would possibly scale back irritation, intrude with the manufacturing of things that promote the expansion of blood vessels, and alter how fibroblasts and MSCs have an effect on the construction of tissues. Moreover, it would decide if CBD can affect immune cells to behave in a means that might be helpful for resolving endometriosis.

The profitable candidate will obtain in depth coaching and assist from the analysis groups led by Prof Widera and Dr Cottrell. They’ll profit from coaching in superior methods comparable to stem cell cultivation, confocal laser scanning microscopy, high-content spinning disc microscopy, molecular biology, experimental planning, and knowledge interpretation. Moreover, by means of collaboration with MRX Medical, the applicant will purchase experience in drug discovery and stem cell biology, in addition to a wider understanding of business views related to their analysis.

Eligibility: 

• Candidates ought to maintain or count on to realize a minimal of a 2:1 Bachelor Diploma or equal
• Because of restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK candidates.

Funding Particulars:

• Begins: September 2024
• 4-year award
• Funding covers full tuition charges plus UKRI stipend (£19,237 pa for 2024/25)

Easy methods to apply:

To use click on ‘Apply’ and create your account, and use the hyperlink despatched by e mail to start out the applying course of. Throughout the utility course of please choose the PhD in PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology

*Vital notes*

Software Deadline: Friday thirty first Could 2024

Additional Enquiries:

Please notice that, the place a candidate is profitable in being awarded funding, this might be confirmed through a proper studentship award letter; this might be supplied individually from any Provide of Admission and might be topic to straightforward checks for eligibility and different standards. 

For additional particulars please contact Prof Darius Widera ([email protected] ) and/or Dr Graeme Cottrell ([email protected] ).