Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving tissue dysfunction and inflammation in ageing
Supervisors:
Dr Chris Mahony, School of Infection and Immunity
Dr Nathan Woodling, School of Molecular Biosciences
Summary:
Why do our bodies become susceptible to multiple diseases as we get older? With the global population predicted to dramatically shift towards older ages in the coming century, this question is more urgent than ever. In joining this PhD project, you will test a major hypothesis in the field: that inflammatory changes in specific cell types within our tissues underpin many detrimental effects of ageing.
To do this, you will use single-cell transcriptomic profiling of aged and diseased human tissues to identify new genes and signalling pathways that merit further investigation. You will then directly test how these newly-identified genes and pathways modulate inflammation, ageing, and tissue decline – using both in vitro tools (human cell culture) and in vivo systems (genetic manipulation of fruit flies, whose ageing trajectory and inflammatory signalling pathways are well conserved through evolution).
You will gain expertise in bioinformatics, molecular genetics and functional immunology, equipping you with a versatile skill set to tackle complex challenges at the interface of computational and experimental research. You will be well supported across the School of Immunity and Infection and School of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow, with regular postgraduate training and opportunities for transferrable skills development.