PhD Study : MicroRNA-based Therapeutics for Fibrosis in Glaucoma.

Apply and key information  

Summary

Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness, affecting more than 60 million people worldwide increasing to an estimated 79.6 million people by 2020. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the commonest type of glaucoma and intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important modifiable risk factor. Elevated IOP in POAG is due to increased resistance to aqueous humour outflow and is the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma. Elevated IOP results from increased aqueous humour outflow resistance, a result of several morphologic and biochemical changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM); changes in the number of TM cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the TM.  There is a large body of evidence that transforming growth factors - β1 and - β2 (TGF-β1 and -β2) play an important role in the pathogenesis of POAG. As well as playing a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of POAG by altering TM function and outflow facility and elevating IOP, TGFβ also has a deleterious effect on surgical outcomes for glaucoma causing post-operative scarring and surgical failure. MicroRNA (miRNA) based manipulation of the TGFβ signalling pathway is a new approach to target fibrosis following glaucoma surgery. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs which are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression in most biological processes. miRNA-based therapeutics is an emerging field which is beginning to enter the clinical arena. In preliminary studies using genome-wide micro-arrays and small RNA-Seq we have identified miRNAs which are upregulated following TGFβ treatment of TM cells; we have termed ‘GlaucoMirs’. The specific impact of manipulating these ‘GlaucoMirs’ on the TGFβ signalling pathway could herald the generation of a new class of therapeutics for the medical and surgical management of glaucoma.

The aim of this studentship is to develop microRNA-based therapeutics to control fibrosis in glaucoma. A number of human and animal (porcine/bovine) cell and tissue models are available to support this project. We have an established ex vivo glaucoma perfusion model which the student will validate using porcine and/or bovine eye and utilise to perform microRNA manipulations to determine therapeutic endpoints. This ex vivo organ culture model which maintains the anterior segment of a pair of porcine/bovine eyes and glaucoma (raised IOP) is induced with TGFβ infusion in one eye; the untreated eye remains as control. miRNA mimics or inhibitors can be perfused to rescue IOP and downstream evaluation of mRNA, protein and structure can be evaluated directly in the TM. Drug delivery and efficacy can also be tested.

The specific objectives are: (1) Establish and validate a porcine and/or bovine glaucoma perfusion model. (2) Confirmation and identification of ‘GlaucoMirs’ using bioinformatics data mining and analyses combined with miRNA qPCR. (3) Experimental validation of miRNA targets. (4) Therapeutic manipulation of miRNAs as a phenotypic rescue to control fibrosis in glaucoma.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
6, 7 and 8 March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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Contact supervisor

Professor Tara Moore

Other supervisors