Neuron-glia communication in peripheral somatosensory system and its role in nociception and pain

The School of Biomedical Sciences invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research area: Neuroscience. <br /> <br /> Pathological pain is an unresolved health problem; it causes suffering and distress to those affected and puts enormous burden on the health services costing world&rsquo;s economies billions. Despite remarkable progress, understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of many types of pain is still incomplete and the development of new therapies is inadequately slow. Thus, precise mechanistic understanding of pain signaling is urgently needed.

<p>Peripheral somatosensory nerves detect and transmit sensory signals from bodily organs to the CNS, this is how we sense temperature, shape and texture of objects and also the dangerous/damaging conditions. The latter group of sensations is experienced as pain. Accumulating evidence suggests that peripheral nerves can also&nbsp;modulate the somatosensory transmission and one robust site for such modulation is the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This project will investigate exciting new phenomenon discovered in the host laboratory (1, 2), whereby DRG&rsquo;s intrinsic GABAergic inhibitory system was identified as a mechanism controlling peripheral processing of pain. The project will investigate communication between the neurons that give rise to somatosensory fibers with surrounding glia in the DRG and how such communication affects flow of somatosensory information. Successful candidate will use fluorescence imaging, electrophysiology, cell- and molecular biology methods to investigate such communication.</p> <p>More about neuroscience research at Leeds can be found here: <a href="https://neural.leeds.ac.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://neural.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>References</p> <p>1. Du X, Hao H, Yang Y, Huang S, Wang C, Gigout S, Ramli R, Li X, Jaworska E, Edwards I, Deuchars J, Yanagawa Y, Qi J, Guan B, Jaffe DB, Zhang H, Gamper N. (2017) Local GABAergic signaling within sensory ganglia controls peripheral nociceptive transmission. J Clin Invest. 127:1741-1756<br /> 2. Hao H, Ramli R, Wang C, Liu C, Shah S, Mullen P, Lall V, Jones F, Shao J, Zhang H, Jaffe DB, Gamper N, Du X. (2023) Dorsal root ganglia control nociceptive input to the central nervous system. PLoS Biol. &nbsp;21(1):e3001958.<br /> &nbsp;</p>

<p>To apply for this project opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul> <p><strong>Please note if you are applying for the <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2024">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> or <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2024">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> you will need to submit a second scholarship application.</strong></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>