PhD Studentship: Health Benefits of Vitamin B6: Investigating Its Effects on Neurovascular Transmission in the Intestine

Primary supervisor - Prof Samuel Fountain

I think we have all experienced feeling tired after a meal – right? This is due to the redistribution of blood to our intestines, an important physiological response to eating that is critical for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. The molecular mechanisms of this response are not fully understood. The diameter of intestinal blood vessels, and hence the blood flow rate, is controlled by the peripheral nervous system. Sympathetic and sensory nerves innervate the smooth muscle of arteries and veins, releasing neurotransmitters to cause vasoconstriction and vasodilation, respectively. Vitamin B6 is critical for intestinal health. Humans acquire vitamin B6 through diet, supplementation and via its production by gut microbiota. We have identified that vitamin B6 can influence how nerves control intestinal blood flow though the mechanisms are not clear. Understanding such mechanisms could lead to a better understanding of how vitamin B6 promotes intestinal health.

This project will seek to understand the activity of vitamin B6 at sympathetic and sensory nerves that control intestinal blood flow, identifying how it influences ionic mechanisms and vascular neurotransmission. The project will involve cutting-edge training in electrophysiological techniques to measure behavioral properties of nerves and how they communicate with vascular smooth muscle. Training will also be providing in bioimaging and myography, allowing for real-time measurement of vasomotor responses.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated early career scientist to join our internationally recognised research team based within the Biomedical Research Centre on the UEA main campus of the Norwich Research Park. The laboratory is generously funded by UKRI, British Heart Foundation and industrial partners. We are a highly dynamic group and student presentation at domestic and international conferences is encouraged and supported.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study: Full time

Start date: 1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

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