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Deadline: 14 October 2024
North West, All England
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition marked by a range of severe and often life-altering symptoms. Among them, cognitive dysfunction—affecting 38% of patients—stands out as especially challenging, with the potential to significantly impair quality of life. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms, and few therapeutic approaches are available to treat cognitive dysfunction in SLE.
This PhD project aims to investigate whether changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation are associated with cognitive dysfunction in SLE. Additionally, it will examine the immediate effects of exercise on CBF regulation and cognitive function in SLE patients.
The PhD student will use Manchester Met’s state-of-the-art exercise laboratories, Transcranial Doppler, and a 3T MRI scanner to investigate CBF regulation and the effects of exercise in SLE. Patients will be recruited from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The student will be trained to analyze and interpret CBF data from MRI and Transcranial Doppler. This project will help the student develop transferable technical skills and build long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology, Lupus-UK, Manchester-BRC, Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre), contributing to their development as an independent researcher and propelling them toward a successful career in academia or industry.
Cognitive dysfunction is a significant and challenging symptom in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. Despite its importance, this aspect of SLE remains poorly understood and under-investigated, which can hamper accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
This PhD project aims to identify potential associations between impairment in cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with SLE. Additionally, this project will explore whether aerobic exercise can improve CBF regulation and cognitive performance in individuals with SLE and cognitive impairment.
The data generated by this project can be a foundation for comprehending and addressing cognitive dysfunction in SLE. This effort holds the potential to benefit the management of approximately 60,000 people in the UK and 10 million worldwide.
Objectives:
1) To identify the associations between CBF regulation and the presence of cognitive dysfunction in lupus
This project aims to comprehensively characterize CBF regulation using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assess cognitive function in SLE individuals and in healthy controls. By comparing MRI-based measurements of CBF regulation (including cerebrovascular reactivity, cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling) between cognitively healthy and impaired SLE patients and healthy controls, this project plans to identify specific cerebrovascular alterations associated with cognitive dysfunction in SLE. This research aims to enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in SLE and identify targets for specific interventions.
2) To investigate the acute effects of exercise on CBF regulation and cognitive performance in lupus
This project will investigate the effects of a single session of exercise on CBF regulation and cognitive performance in individuals with SLE and cognitive impairment. This project intends to obtain proof-of-concept evidence on the efficacy of physical exercise to improve cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive performance in cognitively impaired SLE individuals. This data will inform the design of larger trials investigating the long-term effects of physical activity on CBF regulation and cognitive function in SLE and other autoimmune conditions.
Additionally, this project will organize Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities with individuals with SLE to co-develop a physical exercise intervention, ensuring it is tailored to their needs for future implementation and testing.
This represents an opportunity to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s growing doctoral research community, committed to excellent research with impact. Successful applicants will be active researchers with access to our world class Institute of Sport and our new state-of-the-art £117M labs and Dalton Building facilities, and will be supported to develop their skills as independent researchers.
In addition to the standard entry requirements for PhD programmes at Manchester Metropolitan University, applicants should have:
This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237.
Please note that Home fees are covered. Eligible International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.
Interested applicants should contact Dr Tiago Pecanha for an informal discussion. APCs will be £5k p.a.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Science (or download the PGR application form).
You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV (supplementary information) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.
If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.
Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students.
Please note that Home fees are covered. Eligible International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.
Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Lupus
UK and International applicants
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