Regulating the bioactivity of placental growth factor

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world and its incidence will double by the year 2050. Approximately 90% of patients with AMD have the so-called “dry” form called geographic atrophy (GA-AMD). The late stages of GA-AMD manifests as progressive age-related damage to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) which accompanies degeneration of the photoreceptors in the macular region of the retina and also atrophy of the capillary network within the underlying choroid. The remaining 10% of AMD patients develop the neovascular “wet” form (nvAMD) which can be treated by blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Anti-VEGF therapy is invasive, costly and is only efficacious for nvAMD with no benefit for GA-AMD. 

Our research group have been interested in placental growth factor (PLGF) and its role in retinal angiogenesis, vasopermeability and regulating the regenerative capacity of our vascular stem cells. PLGF is involved in a range of pathogenic processes but there is some recent evidence that it may be implicated in aspects of GA-AMD, especially relating to early stages of age-related RPE/choriocapillaris dysfunction. Evidence suggests that PLGF is regulated by hypoxia at the RPE/choroid complex which is an established feature of GA-AMD. Hypoxia also regulates the VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 receptors which bind PLGF and are critical for signalling PLGF-mediated responses. 

This project involves a partnership with the Leuven-based company Thrombogenics who are also interested in PLGF as a novel therapeutic target for retinal diseases. In this studentship, we propose to decipher the role of PLGF in RPE pathophysiology relating to GA-AMD using anti-PLGF agents to dissect its modulatory role in GA-AMD. We expect to uncover pre-clinical data demonstrating possible efficacy of anti-PLGF agents using a range of in vitro and in vivo models combined with study of post-mortem eyes. 

FUNDING

*FUNDING CONFIRMED - DfE CAST Award* 

DfE Research Studentship & Thrombogenics (Belgium-based company) 

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£16,553 for 2017/18) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship. 

Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only. 

For further details re eligibility criteria (including academic, citizenship and residency criteria) please click on the following link: 
View Website

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject. 

English Language 

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score. 

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is: 
 • IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years; 
 • TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17); 
 • A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B; 
 • A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or 
 • A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking. 

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link: 
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/ 

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/ 

SUPERVISORS

CLOSING DATE

Closing date for application is: Sunday, June 18, 2017

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to 'Entry Requirements' for specific admissions criteria.

Apply online via the Queen's on-line application portal .  Guidance is available on the University’s Prospective Student pages.

When applying for a project, please choose ‘MEDICINE’ as your subject area/School.

Please ensure you adhere to the closing dates.

If you have any further queries please contact:  pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk  or +44 (0) 28 9097 2619/2042.