LICAMM Soft robotic investigation of myocardial cells of the diseased human heart

The heart is pivotal in our lives. It is also phenomenally complex. Despite enormous research efforts, we have incomplete understanding of it and struggle to address heart diseases that commonly cause death and poor quality of life, suffering and disability. An avenue for new research is in the molecules that mediate mechanobiology, the interplay between mechanical forces and biological processes. Importantly, key mechanical force sensing molecules were recently identified. They are remarkable membrane proteins that form PIEZO channels. It became increasingly apparent that they are likely to have major roles in the human heart, the most mechanically vibrant of our organs that must be tuned to mechanical forces and adapt mechanically with exercise, aging and disease.

<p>This new project will investigate the idea that PIEZOs are pivotal mechanical setpoint determinants of human myocardial fibroblasts, which are key structural cells of the heart that need to sense the optimal forces of regular beating and suitably adapt the myocardium when forces change. The project will take advantage of our pioneering soft robotic technology for the controlled delivery of patient-relevant mechanical parameters to cells, combining this approach with powerful fluorescence microscopy and RNA sequencing to quantify cell responses to mechanical parameters and PIEZO modulations. As well as studies of commercially available myocardial fibroblasts, the project will use myocardial tissue and fibroblasts from patients undergoing open heart surgery to directly assess relevance to heart disease.</p> <p>The student will have a supportive supervision team comprising clinical, biological, data and engineering scientists with rich opportunities for independent and team learning in hypothesis development, experimental design strategy, laboratory techniques, good laboratory practice, data analysis, research ethics, scientific critique, literature reviewing, report writing, publication and conference presentation.</p> <h5>References</h5> <ul> <li>McGrane A, Murray M, Bartoli F, Giannoudi M, Conning-Rowland M, Stewart L, Levelt E, Cubbon RM, Dall'Armellina E, Griffin KJ, Herum KM, Smith AJ, Beech DJ (2026) PIEZO force sensors and the heart Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041806.</li> <li>Beech DJ (2026) Cardiovascular PIEZO discovery continues apace to reveal myocardial nerves feeling posture and blood loss Nature Cardiovascular Research doi: 10.1038/s44161-026-00802-w.<br />  </li> </ul>

<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. </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’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 & 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> <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.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine for 2027/28 is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 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>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.</p>

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