Are you interested in exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms active in muscular dystrophies?
In this project you will work on dissecting the biological pathways leading to skeletal muscle degeneration in a prevalent and currently untreatable form of muscular dystrophy called Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). FSHD is characterized by a unique genetic lesion, whose discovery has challenged researchers for years, and investigating its fascinating pathophysiology is a field of active research with new hopes of treatment development.
What are the programs of cell death activated in FSHD? What are the mechanisms of muscle atrophy taking place in the “in vivo” complex microenvironment? How do they contribute to explain FSHD pathophysiology? How can they be tackled? We will go through all these questions studying and deeply characterizing muscle biopsies in the different stages of damage and other patients’ samples.
During the PhD you will be able to apply and finally master several techniques, ranging from basic histology to molecular biology. You will be working in an internationally renowned centre specialized in genetic neuromuscular diseases combining clinical and basic researchers, giving you the opportunity to interact with several leaders expert in the different aspects of these diseases providing a holistic understanding of muscular dystrophies.
To apply for a studentship, you must register and apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
In the ‘Course choice’ tab:
When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
January 2024
The funding covers a three-year PhD.
Newcastle University, Faculty Medical Sciences
Professor Giorgio Tasca, Translational and Clinical Research Institute