MRC PhD Studentship in Airway Physiology

Location

MRC MRes/PhD Studentship

Local microenvironment control of epithelial ion transport and innate defence: role in the pathogenesis of chronic airways disease

Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and cystic fibrosis are leading health problems in Western Society. Most treatments to date focus on improving the symptoms and not the fundamental cause of the disease. In the lungs, the volume and composition of the airway surface liquid (ASL) is critical to lung function and is regulated by ion transport of lung epithelial cells. Failure in ion transport, as seen in cystic fibrosis (CF), impairs mucus hydration, reduces mucociliary clearance and predisposes the lungs to bacterial infection and disease. The composition of the ASL, in particular the pH, has profound effects on the airways. An acidic ASL reduces ciliary beat frequency, impedes bacterial killing and increases mucus viscosity and adhesion. Key innate defence proteins are also pH dependent. These studies point to a vital role of ASL pH in key airway functions and that failure in pH homeostasis may underlie disease by reducing natural protective mechanisms. 

The major aim of the projectis to better understand the mechanistic principles underlying ASL acid-base homeostasis, and the consequences of altered pH balance on fundamental defence processes in the lung. This knowledge will contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of airway disease, and ultimately to improving the quality of life, particularly in the ageing population, where chronic lung disease is a problem.

This is a collaborative project between the Newcastle Epithelial Research Group (Dr Mike Gray) and the CF/Pulmonary Research & Treatment Centre, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Dr Rob Tarran), a leading lung Institute in the USA. The student will gain experience in a wide range of complimentary and cutting edge molecular, biochemical and cell physiological techniques that are highly relevant to studies of airway function and disease. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic student to study at two leading lung/epithelial biology Institutes dedicated to understanding the mechanisms underlying airway disease

Duration of award: 4 years integrated MRes/PhD or 3 years PhD if applicant has a suitable Masters Degree approved by Newcastle University
Eligibilty: UK nationals. EU nationals that have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the studentship are eligible for full award. International students are not eligible.

Degree subject: Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology and Physiology

Classification: 2:1 or above

Value of award: Fees plus UK stipend of £13,590
Contact for further info: Dr Mike Gray, Newcastle University (m.a.gray@ncl.ac.uk) or Dr Rob Tarran, Chaple Hill, USA  (tarran@med.unc.edu)

Project start date: To commence by September, 2012