Investigate the novel therapeutic potential for treating heart failure

About the Project

Cardiac dysfunction is the most common cause of mortality in clinics, but current therapies have a limited impact on the incidence of heart failure, including heart failure of preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure of reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Regardless of the two types of heart failure, cardiomyopathy is a causing factor accelerating the progression of heart failure, characterised by pathological remodelling, such as hypertrophic growth, fibrotic response and cell death, abnormal cardiac metabolism, oxidative stress, and profound inflammation in the heart, which eventually leads to heart failure. However, there is a dearth of effective therapies and precision medicine for treating heart failure. Thus, it is crucial to decipher the molecular pathogenesis and discover specific and defined therapeutic approaches to treat HFrEF and/or HFpEF.

More recently, fibroblast growth factor (FGF21) has emerged as a novel hormone regulating glucose. FGF21 analogue can lower blood glucose and has anti-inflammatory effects. FGF21 exerts its function by binding to the cell surface receptors (FGFRs) and co-receptor (beta-Klotho) to regulate cell survival and other pivotal cellular behaviours. The pathways have showed essential roles in cell survival, micro-vessels, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammation in liver and other organs; however, the regulation of this pathway in the heart is largely unexplored.

The project is to investigate the molecular function of FGF21-FGFR1/βKlotho pathway, particularly the roles in blocking cardiac pathological remodelling under various diseased condition. Given that the related treatment will be assessed on pre-clinical models, this project will also provide new insights into the therapeutic implications and strategies for treating heart failure.

This project can be available to start in April 2026 or September 2026

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with experience in any molecular and cellular techniques or animal work or biochemistry or medicine or pharmacology with an interest in diabetes and heart diseases are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Cardiovascular Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project will have a Band 2 (med) or Band 3 (high) fee depending on the project design according to student’s interest. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website