LICAMM Cellular conversations: stress hormone metabolism as a novel anti-fibrotic target in Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) affects 0.1-1.7% of the UK population with 15,000 new patients each year. The disease is characterised by vascular inflammation that drives arterial wall thickening (hyperplasia), stiffening (fibrosis) and reduced blood flow. Untreated, this can result in blindness that usually prevented by anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid therapy.

<p>However, glucocorticoids also promote cardiovascular disease, including arterial hyperplasia and fibrosis. It is unknown whether glucocorticoids can paradoxically drive hyperplasia in the early stages of GCA treatment while suppressing local inflammation and clinical symptoms.</p> <p>The enzyme 11&beta;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11&beta;-HSD1) regulates tissue glucocorticoid availability by activating cortisol from cortisone. Inflammation induces 11&beta;-HSD1 activity in a variety of tissues but expression in GCA is unknown. The role of 11&beta;-HSD1 in fibrosis is also unexplored.</p> <p>Objectives - We hypothesize that 11&beta;-HSD1 drives fibrosis by promoting pro-fibrotic macrophage differentiation that may contribute to arterial hyperplasia in GCA.</p> <p>Objective 1: Define 11&beta;-HSD1 expression in GCA</p> <p>Objective 2: Investigate 11&beta;-HSD1 as a mediator of pro-fibrotic signalling</p> <p>Objective 3: Determine effects of 11&beta;-HSD1 inhibition on vascular dysfunction in vivo</p> <p>Work Package (WP) 1: Immunohistochemistry training by the Leeds Virtual Pathology Facility, RNA extraction from paraffin-embedded sections and a possible immunohistochemistry-focused placement at AstraZeneca laboratories (Objective 1).</p> <p>WP2: Tissue culture training and 11&beta;-HSD1 characterization during macrophage differentiation (Objective 2).</p> <p>WP3: Characterization of mesenchymal-immune cross-talk and pro-fibrotic effects mediated by 11&beta;-HSD1 (Objective 2). Transcriptomics training (Leeds Immunogenetics Facility). Home Office Personal Licence training.</p> <p>WP4: In vivo experiments (Objective 3).</p> <p>WP5: Publication / thesis write-up and dissemination.</p> <p>The project benefits from access to clinical samples and may include a placement in industry with AstraZeneca. Further clinical opportunities may also be possible through the translational aspects of this project.</p> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p>Tiganescu A, Walker EA, Hardy RS, Mayes AE, Stewart PM. Localization, age- and site-dependent expression, and regulation of 11&beta;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2011 Jan;131(1):30-6.</p> <p>Harris E, Tiganescu A, Tubeuf S, Mackie SL.The prediction and monitoring of toxicity associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2015 Jun;17(6):513.</p> <p>Michailidou Z, Turban S, Miller E, Zou X, Schrader J, Ratcliffe PJ, Hadoke PW, Walker BR, Iredale JP, Morton NM, Seckl JR. Increased angiogenesis protects against adipose hypoxia and fibrosis in metabolic disease-resistant 11&beta;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD1)-deficient mice. J Biol Chem. 2012 Feb 3;287(6):4188-97.</p> <p>Jakobsson K, Jacobsson L, Mohammad AJ, Nilsson J&Aring;, Warrington K, Matteson EL, Turesson C. The effect of clinical features and glucocorticoids on biopsy findings in giant cell arteritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016 Aug 24;17(1):363.</p>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme&rsquo;s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</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 Medicine, Health &amp; Human Disease as your planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum requirements for this programme in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: &bull; British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 &bull; TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School<br /> e:<a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>