Mapping Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Spinal Pain Pathways Using Spatial Transcriptomics in a Canine Translational Model
Supervisors
Dr Andrew Bell, Unversity of Glasgow
Dr Barbara Shih, Lancaster University
Dr Andrew Todd, University of Glasgow
Summary
Chronic pain remains a major clinical problem across species, and existing therapies are often limited by lack of efficacy and side effects. This project will use state of the art spatial techniques to map, for the first time, the detailed molecular architecture of the canine spinal cord in both health and naturally occurring chronic pain. By revealing how neurons, glial cells, and immune cells interact within this complex tissue, the research will uncover pathways and targets that could guide future pain therapies, creating a vital translational bridge between laboratory models and clinical practice.
The student will master advanced wet-lab techniques, including multiplex in situ hybridisation, high-resolution confocal imaging, and whole-transcriptome spatial sequencing. They will gain experience in high-dimensional data analysis — from bioinformatic preprocessing to integrative interpretation — using high-performance computing and novel analytical pipelines. The student will also gain extensive expertise in neuroimmune biology, pain mechanisms, and comparative medicine through direct engagement with clinically relevant, naturally occurring disease models. The combination of spatial biology, molecular neuroscience, and computational expertise will equip the graduate with a technical skillset, enabling them to contribute immediately to high-impact research in academia or industry.