Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Short-legged Dogs – Understanding Chemical and Structural Changes using Computational Methods

Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) has been recognised in chondrodystrophic dogs (short-legged dogs such as Dachshunds, Welsh Corgis and West Highland Terriers) since at least the 1880s, but only in recent years has the genetic basis of this predisposition been confirmed. In these animals, their intervertebral discs, usually spongey, high water-content structures providing cushioning and shock absorbance during normal movement, gradually become stiffer, dehydrated and increasingly solidified until, ultimately, this calcified central part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) can rupture through a tear in the outer, fibrous rim (annulus fibrosus) with potentially catastrophic and often fatal consequences. The herniation causes compression and contusion of the spinal cord, which can cause severe pain and, in some cases, irreversible paralysis. This is an extremely distressing disease for dogs and owners alike, but it is also expensive to treat, with some animals requiring surgery and, unfortunately, it has a relatively high recurrence rate of up to 20%. Furthermore, human lumbar disc herniation manifests in a very similar way, and these data will provide an excellent model for the human condition. We would hope to see this work translated into the human sphere, improving treatments, and reducing economic productivity loss across society, which currently is very high due to large numbers of sick days taken every year. <br /> <br /> In this project we aim to understand the fundamental chemical and microstructural changes in the disc as the disease progresses, and ultimately use these data as a starting point for the development of new treatments to retard or reverse crystallization of the disc. We will use molecular dynamic simulations at (canine) body temperature to understand the molecular interactions that occur in the centre of the intervertebral disc, between the growing mineral phase and the native organic molecules (proteoglycans, collagen). To make the models as realistic as possible, we will integrate data obtained from samples of disc material removed during life-saving surgery on canines carried out at The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (University of Cambridge), which have been analysed to pinpoint the composition, levels of crystallization present, stiffness and density. This integration of, and comparison with, experimental data obtained directly from diseased animal tissue, will provide increased interpretability.

<p style="text-align:start">The project will be based at the University of Leeds, and will be entirely computational. However, there will be close collaboration with Professor Paul Freeman, Principal Clinical Neurologist, at the Department of Veterinary Medicine (University of Cambridge) and there will be opportunities for visiting the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital throughout the project.</p>

<p><strong>You must contact the proposed supervisor for this project before you make a formal application. </strong></p> <p>A formal application for research degree study should then be made online through the University's website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN: </p> <ul> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{193}" paraid="1717955186">For ‘Application type’ please select ‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </li> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{208}" paraid="1941411394">The admission year for this project is 2026/27 Academic Year.   </li> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{215}" paraid="1823221166">You will need to select your ‘Planned Course of Study’ from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select ‘PhD Food Science and Nutrition Full-time’.   </li> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{222}" paraid="754352421">The project start date for this project is October 2026, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. </li> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{229}" paraid="202248598">Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Short-legged Dogs – Understanding Chemical and Structural Changes using Computational Methods’ as well as <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/food-nutrition/staff/8211/dr-helen-chappell">Dr Helen Chappell</a> as your proposed supervisor. </li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). </p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. You will need to provide copies of the following documents: </p> <ul> <li paraeid="{79f6656e-e1a3-4ed7-8100-05e34a1b2680}{247}" paraid="1858125611">a personal statement for this project, which outlines your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project </li> <li paraeid="{b7691fe9-ea3b-4404-b259-1b4dcd8acc81}{7}" paraid="877561217">your CV </li> <li paraeid="{b7691fe9-ea3b-4404-b259-1b4dcd8acc81}{14}" paraid="1448270499">certificates and transcripts of all academic qualifications </li> <li paraeid="{b7691fe9-ea3b-4404-b259-1b4dcd8acc81}{21}" paraid="932080590">English language qualification certificates </li> <li paraeid="{b7691fe9-ea3b-4404-b259-1b4dcd8acc81}{28}" paraid="1315959137">visa and immigration documents, if applicable </li> <li paraeid="{b7691fe9-ea3b-4404-b259-1b4dcd8acc81}{35}" paraid="226045984">funding information – sources of funding that you are applying for (e.g. government scholarship), or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance  </li> </ul> <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.

For start dates from September 2026, the minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Food Science and Nutrition 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.

<p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{183}" paraid="557166827"><strong>This is not a funded project, but you can apply for funding separately. Self-funding students are also welcome to apply. </strong></p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{187}" paraid="1936376053"><strong>Please note that in addition to the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-fees/doc/research-degrees-fees" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">tuition fee</a> for the programme there will also be a <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-fees/doc/postgraduate-research-bench-policy" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">bench fee</a> of £3,000 per year for this project. </strong>  </p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{192}" paraid="1993701339">Funding opportunities for Home students – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. </p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{196}" paraid="629442306">Funding opportunities for International students –The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. </p>

<p>For further information regarding the project please contact Dr Helen Chappell by email: <a href="mailto:H.F.Chappell@leeds.ac.uk">h.f.chappell@leeds.ac.uk</a>.  You must contact Helen before making an application.</p>