PhD Studentship in Pharmacology: Pharmacological Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Endometriosis

Supervisors: Prof Darius Widera / Dr Graeme Cottrell

Project Overview:

Endometriosis is a common long-term health condition that affects around 190 million women of reproductive age worldwide. It causes severe pain during periods, sex, going to the toilet, and sometimes just general pelvic discomfort, bloating, and tiredness. Endometriosis can also affect emotions, often leading to depression and anxiety.

It occurs when tissue from the uterus grows outside of the womb, causing inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth. Special types of cells called fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells play a vital role in endometriosis, as they help change the structure of tissues, promote inflammation, and affect how blood vessels form.

CBD, a natural compound found in cannabis plants, has shown promise in reducing inflammation, protecting cells, and relieving pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of endometriosis.

This research project, which is partly funded by MRX Medical, a company that creates new medicines from cannabinoids, will explore how CBD might treat endometriosis. Specifically, the focus is on how CBD might reduce inflammation, interfere with the production of factors that promote the growth of blood vessels, and change how fibroblasts and MSCs affect the structure of tissues. Additionally, it will determine if CBD can influence immune cells to behave in a way that could be beneficial for resolving endometriosis.

The successful candidate will receive extensive training and support from the research teams led by Prof Widera and Dr Cottrell. They will benefit from training in advanced techniques such as stem cell cultivation, confocal laser scanning microscopy, high-content spinning disc microscopy, molecular biology, experimental planning, and data interpretation. Additionally, through collaboration with MRX Medical, the applicant will acquire expertise in drug discovery and stem cell biology, as well as a wider understanding of industry perspectives relevant to their research.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK applicants.

Funding Details:

• Starts: September 2024
• 4-year award
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£19,237 pa for 2024/25)

How to apply:

To apply click 'Apply' and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process please select the PhD in PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC24-020’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline: Friday 31^st May 2024

Further Enquiries:

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact Prof Darius Widera (d.widera@reading.ac.uk) and/or Dr Graeme Cottrell (g.cottrell@reading.ac.uk).

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