Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template
PI name & contact details:
Thomas Ritter, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Medicine
Phone: xx353-(0)91-495329, Fax: xx353-(0)91-495547
e-mail: thomas.ritter@nuigalway.ie
Co-PI name & contact details:
Deniz Tasdemir, Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery
School of Chemistry
Phone: +353-(0)91-492450, Fax: +353-(0)91-495576
e-mail: deniz.tasdemir@nuigalway.ie
School of Medicine (PI)
School:
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration
school?
Yes
Research Centre / group
affiliation:
National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES)
http://ncbes.eurhost.net/
Research group / centre
website:
Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)
PI website / link to CV:
http://ncbes.eurhost.net/bio/thomas-ritter.aspx
Co-PI website / link to CV:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/level2/staff/DenizTasdemir
/dtresearch.html
http://www.nuigalway.ie/remedi/
Brief summary of PI re
search / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
My research group focuses on the development of novel gene and cell therapeutic strategies to
prevent organ graft rejection and to characterise the underlying mechanisms. We use a range of
techniques as appropriate for each project including tissue culture, molecular biology, protein
biochemistry, gene therapy, flow cytometry, microscopy, small animal models and analysis of
human biospecimens. Within the Immunology Group (Profs M. Griffin and R. Ceredig) in REMEDI we
investigate the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Application of novel immunoregulatory molecules in Cornea transplantation
Cornea transplantation is the most frequently performed transplant procedure in humans. Despite
advances in microsurgery and immunosuppressive treatment protocols, a significant number of
corneal grafts still undergo immune-mediated allograft rejection. Topical treatment with
corticosteroids is currently the gold standard and while this treatment is effective in many corneal
transplant patients, it is much less effective in “high-risk” patients with previous episodes of
neovascularization or graft rejection. Therefore, alternative approaches are needed to prevent
corneal transplant rejection. This proposal addresses a clinically relevant question, namely how
corneal allograft survival can be improved by the application of novel immunosuppressive molecules
derived from sea weed. It represents the continuation of a previously funded programme and will
strengthen both the investigation of basic mechanisms and the translation toward clinical
application. My lab has established unique expertise in Ireland to study the immunobiology of
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
corneal transplantation and apply regenerative medicine and gene therapy approaches to improving
the outcomes. In collaboration with the Co-PI, Prof Deniz Tasdemir (Marine Biodiscovery Group of
NUIG) seaweed extracts will be purified and tested extensively in vitro. Preliminary data indicate
that seaweed extracts inhibit TNF production of monocytes in a whole blood assay. Chemical
components with low toxicity but high immunosuppressive activity will be further purified,
characterised and applied (topically and systemically) in vivo in a rat corneal transplant model.
Moreover immunosuppressive effects will be monitored in vivo by studying immune cell populations
in various organs (graft, draining lymph nodes, spleen) of transplanted animals. Results are expected
to identify novel patentable immunosuppressive molecules from seaweeds with strong potential for
a clinical application in ocular surface disorders.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
As a REMEDI member, the student will have access to the following:

A number of core technical facilities in areas such as flow cytometry, microscopy, cell
culture, histology, molecular biology etc

A diverse range of additional subject-specific and non-specific didactic elements as part of
the structured PhD programme (Regenerative Medicine Ph.D. programme).

A wide range of expertise including the areas of stem cell biology, gene therapy,
immunology, molecular biology, translational research

A wide network of collaborating researchers in Ireland, Europe, the US and worldwide

Collaboration with Marine Biodiscovery group and access to excellent chemistry
infrastructure and training to develop natural products chemistry skills and drug discovery
experience
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Cell biology, Pharmacology
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)
Health and Biomedical Sciences

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Minerals
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): _ ___Y_
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): ___N__.
Suitable for either/Don’t know: _____