PhD Studentship - How do Force Sensing Proteins Contribute to the Progression of Liver Fibrosis?

Project advert

Chronic liver disease is associated with obesity and ageing, and results in liver fibrosis (scarring) which kills. As fibrosis progresses, the liver’s mechanical properties change, with an increase in tissue stiffness due to an excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins made by pro-fibrotic cells. Different cell types of the liver such as hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells are subjected to the increased tissue stiffness which has a negative impact on their normal function, driving fibrotic processes.

Cells respond to extracellular rigidity through a process called mechanotransduction where physical conditions outside a cell are converted into biochemical signals. Integrins are important cell-ECM receptors that have a role in mechanotransduction that work through the formation of a protein complex called the adhesome.

This project will use biochemical and cell biology approaches to study liver cell adhesomes and ask how cell-ECM mechanotransduction signalling contributes to liver fibrosis. Techniques used will include molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and transfection / transduction, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and microscopy, western blotting, biochemical affinity-enrichment with proteomics sample preparation and bioinformatic data analyses.

The successful applicant will join our vibrant Doctoral College Community and be based in the new £117million Dalton Building in the heart of Manchester. 

Project aims and objectives

This project will define the role of cell-ECM mechanotransduction and signalling in liver fibrosis. This will be achieved using biochemical and cell biology approaches to study the role of cell-ECM adhesion systems in relevant cell models of liver disease.

Our objectives are to:

1. Define hepatic stellate cell and hepatocyte adhesomes
2. Identify mechanosensory adhesome protein interactions in hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes

Funding

The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £20,780 for 2025/26.

Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

The student will have undertaken a laboratory-based final year research project.

The student should have at least upper-second class honours in Biomedical Science or a related degree subject.

The student will have previous experience of relevant techniques such as molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and transfection/transduction, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and microscopy, western blotting, biochemical affinity-enrichment with proteomics sample preparation and bioinformatic data analyses.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Jon Humphries (j.humphries@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Biological Science.

You should also submit a cover letter addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how your skills map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest, and your CV.   

You will need to upload your documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal. 

Applications closing date: 18^th May 2025

Expected start date: October 2025

Please quote the reference: SciEng-JH-2025-Liver fibrosis adhesome

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. Please ensure that you take into account our Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy when preparing an application.

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