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PhD studentship in "Functional role of microRNA in vascular complications of diabetes" : Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Background: Intensive studies in our lab have revealed several factors that regulate post-ischemic vascular repair. In particular, we focuses on biology of microRNA (miRNAs), their transcription and action on specific gene targets in various human and animal models of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Recently, we have demonstrated that microRNA-503 (miR-503) has a prominent role in regulation of post-ischemic angiogenesis in diabetes (Caporali et al. Circulation 2011). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs of approximately 22-nucleotides that have increasingly been recognised as potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNAs exert their action on virtually any biological process by simultaneous regulation of numerous genes. The identification of miRNA target genes proves difficult and is currently based on computational algorithms predicting large number of potential targets for a given miRNA. Rather than merely relying on computational approaches, we have applied a biochemical approaches to identify functional miRNAs target genes.

Objectives: The challenge for future research in this area is to develop a more detailed understanding of how these genes are involved in regulation of angiogenesis and endothelium homeostasis to further provide effective therapies for tissue revascularization during diabetes.

Description of the work: During this PhD project the student will gain experience in cutting edge techniques specifically related to miRNA research. Throughout this project, the student will have an opportunity to apply the following techniques: human endothelial cell culture, sorting of endothelial cells from mouse tissues, molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, immunoprecipitation) and also analyses of the functional properties of endothelial cells in culture by performing permeability, migration assays and angiogenesis cell imaging. It is also anticipated that the student will develop skills in cloning techniques, manipulation of gene expression (overexpression and silencing) and bioinformatics. The student will also obtain training in standard laboratory application of immunohistochemistry and tissue histology. In particular, there is a unique opportunity to learn and develop methods to analyze models of angiogenesis in vivo.

3-year PhD Studentships will be available in September 2014 to outstanding science graduates wishing to pursue a career in Cardiovascular Sciences.
Please address informal enquiries to Dr. Andrea Caporali (include your CV and the contact details of two referees –a.caporali@ed.ac.uk). For more information about PhD program see:http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees?r=site/view&id=208&cw_xml=. Eligibility: UK and EU nationals. …

Job details

Employer:University of Edinburgh

Website:http://www.cvs.ed.ac.uk/

Location:Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Expires:May 16, 2014

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Undergraduate - Bachelor's degree

Employment type:Contract

Job hours:Full-time