PhD Study : Can anthocyanin rich diets (red raspberries) reverse the microvascular pathological changes and cognitive decline observed in the APP/PS-1 transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease?

Summary

Disruption and deregulation of the microvascular architecture is a common pathogenic mechanism in the progression of numerous chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A direct relationship can be readily observed between microvascular pathology and cognitive decline1,2.

Of significant interest in this regard, are recent micro-vascular casting studies in a murine model of Alzheimer’s which demonstrated that treatment with the drug liraglutide can return microvascular pathology to a wild-type state and improve cognition3,4. Berries have positive effects on aspects of cognition that cannot be fully explained by effects on either neurogenesis or inflammation5,6.

Given the anti-angiogenic activity of berry polyphenols, it is probable that raspberry polyphenols could ameliorate cerebral microvascular pathology and as a result improve cognition. To address this question, we will determine whether a diet rich in raspberries can reverse the microvascular pathological changes, beta-amyloid plaque formation and cognitive decline observed in the APP/PS-1 transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease.

References

[1] Bouras et al  (2006). J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 65 235–244.

[2] Kitaguchi  et al (2007)  Neurosci Lett 417,128–131.

[3] Kelly et al (2015)  Microcirculation 22, 133-45.

[4] McClean  et al  (2011). J. Neurosci 31, 6587-6594.

[5] Carey et al (2017). Nutr Neurosci 20,:238-245

[6] Medda et al  P (2015). Microvasc Res  97, 167-180.

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

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
• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• 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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

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