PhD Research Studentships
The effect of inflammation on chondrocyte mechanosignalling and the role of primary cilia
| Supervisors: | Martin KNIGHT and Stefaan VERBRUGGEN |
| Apply by: | 31 January 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Osteoarthritis and associated inflammatory joint disease affects 2 million people in the UK and causes significant economic burden. The presence of inflammatory cytokines stimulates a catabolic pathway leading to cartilage matrix degradation and loss of joint function. Previous studies have shown that physiological mechanical loading regulates inflammatory signalling and is vital for cartilage homeostasis, increasing extracellular matrix synthesis and reducing degradation. The mechanosignalling pathways are poorly understood but studies point to the involvement of primary cilia, slender microtubule organelles that typically project from the cell. Changes in cilia length have recently been proposed to regulate mechanosignalling.
This multidisciplinary bioengineering PhD project will test the hypothesis that chondrocyte mechanosignalling is modulated by inflammation via changes in primary cilia structure.
The work builds upon data from Knight’s group that were the first to demonstrate that inflammatory cytokines elongate cilia however the consequences for cilia mechanosignalling are unknown. The student will also examine the influence of small molecule manipulation of cilia length on chondrocyte mechanosignalling using a cluster of compounds identified in a recent high throughput screen within the group. The project will develop and use organ-chip models to test potential cilia modifying therapeutics to control mechanosignalling and tissue homeostasis in joint disease.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Martin KNIGHT or Stefaan VERBRUGGEN.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-538" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/m.m.knight | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Biophysics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics |