PhD Studentship: Peptide Therapeutics for Fibrosis A Cross-Disease Strategy for Glaucoma and Keloid Treatment

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a strong scientific background and a desire to develop interdisciplinary research skills to join a cutting-edge project at the intersection of ophthalmology, fibrosis biology, and bioengineering. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, curious, and keen to work in a diverse, collaborative research environment.

Project Overview

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It arises from fibrotic remodelling of the trabecular meshwork, a filter-like structure in the anterior chamber of the eye. As the tissue stiffens and pores close, intraocular pressure rises, ultimately damaging the optic nerve. While current treatments aim to manage this pressure, they come with significant side effects and do not reverse fibrosis.

POAG disproportionately affects individuals of Black African descent, but the reasons behind this disparity remain poorly understood. Interestingly, keloid scarring — another fibrotic condition (which is often observed at an early stage following minor skin wounds) — is also far more common in Black populations. Both conditions involve dysregulated collagen production and aberrant TGF-β1 signalling, raising the possibility of shared molecular mechanisms.

Project Aims

This PhD project will focus on investigating the fibrotic behaviour of cells isolated from glaucoma patients of different ethnic backgrounds. The student will:

• Isolate and culture cells from the trabecular meshwork of glaucoma patients.
• Assess fibrotic responses, including extracellular matrix production, stiffness, and gene expression profiles.
• Explore correlations between fibrotic phenotypes and patient ethnicity.
• Test six novel anti-fibrotic peptides (developed using generative AI to target TGF-β1 receptors) for their ability to modulate pathological cell behaviour in vitro, with potential for progression to in vivo testing in a rodent model of glaucoma.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a 1st or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in the physical or biomedical sciences. We welcome candidates who are passionate about science, eager to work across disciplinary boundaries, and motivated to tackle real-world health disparities.

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