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PhD Research Project Investigating the role of P2X7 receptors in tubular and vascular renal injury: University of Kent at Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom

P2X7 ion channels have key roles in antigen presentation, inflammation, cell death and fibrosis. P2X7 is expressed in the microvessels of the retina and the kidney and may be pivotal in regulation of blood flow in health and disease. In the kidney the pathology and consequences of glomerular nephritis (GN) and hypertension are independent, yet the initial cause of renal injury can cause hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension can exacerbate declining renal function. Preliminary data suggests the potential link between inflammatory forms of GN and some forms of hypertension may be P2X7 dependent.

This 3-year PhD project seeks to identify the molecular/cellular mechanisms by which P2X7 contributes to the renal injury associated with glomerulonephritis and hypertension. The long-term goal being to identify novel therapeutic targets that might improve the outcome for patients suffering with either clinical condition.

Using our innovative kidney tissue model and multiphoton microscopy we will study the role of the P2X7 ion channel in the onset and progression of both diseases, by focusing on both vascular (mainly pericytes) and tubular function in the kidney.

The successful candidate will be part of The Urinary System Physiology Unit (http://www.msp.ac.uk/research/research-groups/urinary-system-unit/index.html) at Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, which is a vibrant and dynamic research group with state of the art facilities. The student will be involved in all aspects of the research and will work closely with all members of the research team and with our clinical collaborators Professors Robert Unwin (UCL, and Astra Zeneca) and Frederick Tam (Imperial College London).

For informal enquiries please contact c.m.peppiatt@kent.ac.uk.

Funding Notes:
University of Kent PhD Scholarships are for 3 years and the stipend will be offered at the standard UK Research Councils’ rate (£14,057 for 2015-16) and are administered under the Graduate Teaching Assistant Scheme, further details of which can be found at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/gta.html

Open to applicants from any country, however the studentship only covers Home / EU tuition fees. International applicants should make provision to meet the difference between Home /EU Fees and International Fees.. Please note that overseas students must have the appropriate documentation to evidence eligibility to work in the UK. Further information can be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/hr-managementinformation/documents/eligibility-to-work/checking-eligibility-guidance.pdf…

Don't forget to mention Naturejobs when applying.

Employer:University of Kent

Website:http://www.kent.ac.uk

Location:Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent at Medway, University of Kent at Chatham Maritime, South East England, United Kingdom

Expires:May 14, 2015

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Undergraduate - Bachelor's degree

Employment type:Contract

Job hours:Full-time