Fully-funded PhD - Cystic fibrosis: Implications for vascular health and function

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterised by the dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Result is a progressive decline in respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic function with chronic cycles of infection and inflammation. Advancements in therapeutic care have led to the development of CFTR modulators, which have substantially increased the lifespan and quality of life of these patients. However, as life expectancy increases, early evidence now suggests that the ageing cohort CF patients are at an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

The exact reasons for this remain unclear. This is an exciting project suitable for an enthusiastic and passionate PhD candidate aiming to explore the link between CF and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular health. This 3-year funded PhD opportunity is housed within the Department of Life Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University and will run in close partnership with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The project will require the successful candidate to work closely in a hands-on manner with patients and they must work effectively with the clinical staff in the hospital for the successful delivery of the project. The student is expected to travel between the University and the Hospital Trust in Liverpool. 

Manchester Metropolitan University provides a vibrant and ambitious postgraduate environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Project aims and objectives

Using the state-of-the-art integrative physiology techniques, this multi-disciplinary project aims to investigate the impact of CF on peripheral and cerebral vasomotor function and determine associations with blood markers of inflammation/oxidative stress and with clinical care of patients. The project also aims to determine the associations between cerebral vasomotor health and anxiety/depression in CF patients.