UK; Strategic PhD Studentship 2009/10 in Pharmacy

School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

Dr Alain Pluen & Professor David Clarke

The School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences invites applications for a prestigious PhD studentship commencing in October 2009. Funding will provide full support for the UK/EU tuition fee and a tax-free annual stipend of £13,290.

A key pharmacological challenge is to overcome the endothelial barrier in non-inflammatory or cancerous tissues in order to deliver drugs or biologics (e.g. delivery to the blood brain barrier). While transcytosis carries proteins and other macromolecules through the endothelium, its mechanism remains poorly understood and quantified. Although mainly based on caveolae-mediated endocytosis, phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase, Src and v-t-SNARE complexes are involved in the transcytosis but the physical exploitation of the pathway is still limited due to a poorly characterised transport mechanism.

We are developing peptides as carriers for transcytosis with specific functions to target uptake (among them the caveolae). Using the recently developed chamber, in which tight monolayers or co-cultured monolayers are grown, the transcytotic transport of peptides will be observed in physiologically-relevant conditions and quantified using real time fluorescence-based bioimaging techniques (confocal microscopy with particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy). Applying this approach to different peptide sequences, we expect to provide information about the kinetics of transcytosis and its dependence on the peptide sequence. Ultimately, it is foreseen these results will be used for rational design of new molecules.

The successful candidate will benefit from the experience of conducting cutting-edge research in a multidisciplinary international environment. They will encounter some of the most up-to date techniques used in cell studies. Successful completion of the PhD would provide the candidate with an opportunity to progress into academic or industrial R&D.

Applications are welcomed from candidates holding, or expecting to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject such as pharmacy or the physical sciences.

This project is one of a number of fully-funded PhD studentships available under the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Strategic Studentship scheme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Faculty website:
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/funding/facultystudentships/

Applications will be welcomed up to and including Friday 28 November 2008.

For further details on the study or to confirm your suitability please contact Dr Alain Pluen at alain.pluen@manchester.ac.uk
http://www.pharmacy.manchester.ac.uk/

Tags: Strategic PhD Studentship 2009/10