The University of Sheffield
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health
School of Clinical Dentistry
Chemokines in CNS disease
Supervisor: Prof Fiona Biossonade
Project: There is an increasing body of evidence demonstrating a role for
chemokine signalling in the nervous system, where these molecules have been
shown to have diverse effects in many physiological and pathological processes.
Consequently, they have been implicated in a variety of CNS neurodegenerative
disease states including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Huntingdon’s and
Alzheimer’s diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as in chronic pain.
Recent work in our laboratory provides the first demonstration that a little-studied
chemokine and its receptor are expressed in the nervous system. This project will
establish whether expression of this chemokine is altered in specific disease states,
with initial focus on multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease and Alzheimer’s
disease where we have ready access to optimally prepared human CNS tissue and
rodent models of disease. This approach will further our understanding of the
disease process, and will help to identify novel therapeutic targets leading to
improved treatment for these conditions.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant
research experience.
Enquiries:
Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Prof Fiona Boissonade
f.boissonade@shef.ac.uk
How to apply:
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form and attach at
least two references to your application. To complete the application form please
visit: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select
‘Clinical Dentistry’ as the department.
Closing date: Open